Red Bull’s Christian Horner has criticized Aston Martin F1 for prematurely celebrating Adrian Newey’s signing.
Red Bull director Christian Horner described Aston Martin F1’s decision to announce Adrian Newey’s signing during an event at their factory as a “premature celebration.”
Earlier this week, Aston Martin disclosed the highly anticipated news that they had secured Newey on a long-term contract as a technical partner.
The British engineer will take up his new role in March 2025, after his nearly two-decade-long association with Red Bull, which included 13 championships, concludes.
Newey is no longer involved in F1 with Red Bull Racing, but Horner expressed displeasure when asked about this new partnership.
“Well, it wasn’t a big surprise. I think it was becoming increasingly clear that this was the path he was going to take, rather than retiring or joining another team.”
“So, obviously, it will be a new challenge for him. And we will be sad to see him go next year, but we wish him the best for the future.”
“And obviously, we look back very fondly on the 20 years we spent together.”
“The ups and downs during that period. But let’s look forward, and I think we are well-positioned for that.”
“Now, in terms of the announcement… It was obviously a major announcement from Aston. And you know, Adrian has always tended to do what he wanted. It was obviously a big moment for this team but they chose to celebrate it perhaps a bit prematurely before the end of his contract with Red Bull Racing.”
Horner also warns that Aston Martin F1 will need to adapt to someone like Newey.
“Adrian is obviously a very creative guy and he’s not an ordinary designer. I think he’s the only person in Formula 1 still working on a drawing board. So, inevitably, there will be a need to get to know each other and to understand how each works, etc.”
“He is unique in many ways, and I think Aston will obviously look to leverage his vast experience.”
Horner was also asked about another upcoming loss at the end of the season, that of Jonathan Wheatley, his sporting director. To what extent has he contributed to Red Bull’s success?
“Jonathan has done an excellent job as a team manager, then as sporting director for us. He has been part of our journey over the last 19 years or our 20th season.”
“We are very grateful for what he has done and for the efforts he has put in during this period. An opportunity like this to become a team director (at Audi F1) came up. So we certainly did not seek to hold him back in any way and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”
“But this, in turn, allows for progression within our own organization. And we will be announcing very soon the structure that will follow Jonathan’s move to Audi.”
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Horner Slams Aston’s Premature Newey Celebration Horner Slams Aston’s Premature Newey Celebration
