Christian Horner has refuted rumors that Max Verstappen may be allowed to breach his Red Bull contract as a result of Adrian Newey’s departure from the Formula 1 team.
In order to concentrate on the RB17 Hypercar project, Newey will step back from Red Bull’s F1 business in the second quarter of 2025, ending his 19-year tenure. The Milton Keynes-based team has been hit hard by his departure.
Despite having a contract that expires in 2028, Verstappen may follow him out the door because Mercedes is eager to acquire the Red Bull duo and turn them into a different team.
Though sources imply Newey had a clause added to his £50 million-a-year contract, Horner maintains that just one of them will be going, saying Verstappen’s contract does not contain a stipulation related to his future.
“Over the years, they have had a positive connection, just as with other drivers, but Max is aware that this wasn’t a snap choice; there was planning involved. Adrian’s retreat will not alter the framework.
Horner predicts the Newey
In response to rumors that three-time world champion and Mercedes manager Toto Wolff is negotiating a £128 million contract, Horner is certain that the Dutchman is “content” with his present circumstances.
“He’s still here, even though you [the media] broadcast those rumblings every week. The Red Bull chief stated, “Max is really happy in the team, he’s got a great group of engineers around him, a great car, and he’s driving in the form of his life.”
“Being pleased is more important than contracts. Any motorist would experience the same thing, and he is surrounded by that. What you’re witnessing, in my opinion, is a motorist who is enjoying himself in that situation.
It isn’t the same story for Newey, who was instrumental in creating the championship-winning vehicles for them from 2010 to 2013 and for Verstappen from 2021 to 2023.
It is said that the 65-year-old decided to leave Red Bull and may join one of their rival teams, with Ferrari supposedly leading the pursuit. This decision was made due to internal unrest within the team.
Horner did, however, foresee that the seasoned designer wouldn’t likely sign with the Scuderia straight away, saying, “Adrian’s had such a wonderful career, he’s been hard at it the last 30 years.” He’s gotten the team to the point where we’re playing at such a high level and we’re in fantastic shape,” Horner continued.
He believes that now is the ideal moment for him to take a break and step back. Though he still intends to work on the RB17 car we’re designing, he decided it was time for a vacation.
