Red Bull managing director Christian Horner has denied rumours that Max Verstappen could leave the Milton Keynes-based team following the announcement of Adrian Newey’s imminent departure.
A few days before the Miami Grand Prix, it was announced that Adrian Newey would be stepping down as Red Bull’s Technical Director in the first quarter of 2025 after almost twenty years of loyal service. During that time, Newey’s single-seaters have won six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, including three won by Max Verstappen between 2021 and 2023.
Fears surrounding new engines
As the rumour mill continues to churn, the implications of such a move are profound, both for Verstappen and the wider F1 landscape. Could Verstappen be fleeing Red Bull’s new engines?
The chances are high. According to the BBC, there are significant doubts within the Verstappen camp about Red Bull’s new engine supplier. It remains completely unclear how the team’s own power units, due to be used from 2026, will perform.
Rumours have been circulating in the paddock for some time that Red Bull is lagging behind the competition in this regard. This could potentially lead to the departure of Verstappen and his advisor Helmut Marko.
Certainly, Red Bull Racing is making a bold move. The team is about to make a ground-breaking change by developing its own engine. This strategic pivot is aimed not only at complying with the new regulations, but also at gaining a competitive edge in the hybrid era of Formula One.
The 2026 regulations introduce several key changes. There is an increased focus on hybridisation, with a greater emphasis on the contribution of electric power to the overall performance of the car. Environmental sustainability is also a key consideration, with the use of advanced sustainable fuels mandated and a net-zero carbon footprint targeted.
In addition, the regulations include measures such as standardised parts and restrictions on certain developments, which will level the playing field and reduce the financial burden on teams.
Red Bull and Ford collaboration
Of particular note is the collaboration between Red Bull Racing and Ford Motor Company. Ford, with its extensive experience in electric vehicle technology, is said to be focusing primarily on the electric drive components of the hybrid system.
Ford’s involvement is primarily focused on improving the electrical systems, which could include advances in energy recovery, storage solutions and efficiency improvements. Red Bull Racing will need to integrate these innovations seamlessly with its own internal combustion engine developments and overall powertrain design.
By developing its own engine, Red Bull Racing is in a unique position to tailor its power units to perfectly match its chassis and race strategy. This gives them a significant competitive advantage, allowing them greater flexibility and agility in adapting to race conditions and regulations.
Complete control over the powertrain allows for better integration and optimisation with the car’s design and aerodynamics. Leveraging Ford’s expertise in electrical components will undoubtedly lead to ground-breaking advances in F1 hybrid technology.
However, with current rumours suggesting that progress has been slow behind closed doors at Red Bull, questions are being asked about the Verstappen camp’s confidence in this major overhaul for 2026.
The ‘Horner affair’ and internal turmoil
Another issue overshadowing the team is the so-called “Horner affair”. A second internal investigation is currently underway. According to the BBC, the verdict is likely to be similar to the first, with the team boss cleared.
However, the final word on the matter has yet to be spoken. If Horner is acquitted again, there will be “further developments”, says the BBC, without going into detail. There is speculation that the currently sacked Red Bull employee will take the case to an official tribunal, which could significantly escalate the situation.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has repeatedly stated that he will not accept any further escalation. Known as one of Horner’s biggest opponents within the team, he has publicly warned that the team could fall apart. However, recent developments within Red Bull suggest otherwise.
The future of Verstappen and Marko
The Dutch three-time champion’s future at Red Bull is in the hands of Helmut Marko. There is a clause in Verstappen’s contract that allows him to leave early if Marko also leaves the team. It’s now clear that Marko is willing to let his own future be dictated by Verstappen’s decisions.
Marko has assured Verstappen that he will respect the young driver’s wishes. Should Verstappen decide to leave Red Bull, Marko has vowed to relinquish his position with the team, paving the way for Verstappen’s departure.
Horner responds to recent rumours
On top of all this, rumours have suggested that Newey’s departure means that Max Verstappen could also leave the Red Bull team, but Christian Horner insisted that the Dutch driver is “very happy” where he is now and that he intends to honour his current contract, which runs until 2028.
“You report these rumours every week, but he’s still here. Max is very happy in the team, he’s surrounded by a wonderful group of engineers, he’s got a great car, he’s in the best car on the grid, he’s driving in the best shape of his life,” Christian Horner explained to Sky Sports.
“It’s not about contracts, it’s about being happy, and I think that’s the same for any driver. He’s got all that, he’s got that dynamic around him, and I think what you see with him is a rider who revels in that environment.”
Newey leaving influence Verstappen?
When asked if Max Verstappen had an exit clause in his contract linking him directly to Adrian Newey, Horner said, “No. I mean, Max Verstappen’s contract is a contract that he has to sign with Adrian Newey. I mean Max’s contract is obviously confidential, but there is no clause that ties him to Adrian in any way.”
“They’ve had a good relationship over the years, as have our previous drivers, but Max also understands that there’s been a planning process and it’s not just a knee-jerk reaction, so the structure won’t change after Adrian leaves.”
“Adrian’s role was unique, Adrian is unique. He drew on a drawing board and the way he did it was totally unique. Nobody reported to him, he was a free spirit within the organisation,” added the Red Bull boss.
“The organisation remains exactly as it is, we have strength, stability and depth, and we are grateful for the time and form in which he [Newey] left the technical team.”
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