Zak Brown predicts further exits at Red Bull following Adrian Newey’s impending departure.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has predicted that Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull marks the “first domino to fall” for their team.
Red Bull announced earlier this week that Newey would leave Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025, ending a nearly two-decade tenure that garnered 13 titles. Newey has already ceased all involvement in F1 design with immediate effect.
The British designer’s departure is linked to the apparent power struggle at Red Bull following an investigation into Christian Horner’s conduct.
Brown stated he was not surprised that Newey chose to end his association with Red Bull and suspects that the British designer’s departure might prompt more to seek new pastures.
When asked if he was surprised when the news broke, Brown responded, “Am I surprised? Six months ago, I would have been.”
And Brown directly attacks his rival Horner.
“Given everything that has happened since the start of the year and knowing Adrian quite well, he is a person of great integrity. I’m not surprised he’s moving on.”
“I think what’s happening there is somewhat unsettling. It’s probably the first domino to fall. I assume it’s not the last, given the resumes that are circulating.”
Brown confirms he will not attempt to recruit Newey, as he stated on the day of his departure.
“As far as McLaren is concerned, I am very pleased with all the work done by the men and women at McLaren.”
“I think we have started to show since last year, in the second half of the year, that they know how to add performance to the car.”
“I have full confidence in the team we have. We are looking to get back to the front. I think we have the people, the talent, the equipment, the drivers to get there. We are just going to stay the course.”
Brown revealed that McLaren has received several inquiries from individuals looking to leave Red Bull and believes this will continue despite the vacancy Newey leaves behind.
“We have seen an increase in the number of resumes coming from Red Bull, and I think Adrian is the most titled designer of all time, so in addition to the technical expertise he brings to a team, people want to work for someone like Adrian Newey and alongside him.”
“I think they will miss what he brings to the team from a purely technical perspective, and I think they will miss the leadership and enthusiasm people feel working with him.”
Even though Brown has not completely ruled out Newey’s return to McLaren, where he worked from 1997 to 2005, the American has expressed confidence in the existing technical team.
“I mean, as everyone has said with a resume and track record like Adrian Newey’s, Adrian would add value to any team.”
“But we are very satisfied with the trajectory we are on. I never say never, but I am very happy with the team, the technical leadership, and the way Andrea Stella manages the race team.”
“We have a plan and we are sticking to it, and of course, always looking for opportunities to improve it, to bring talent to the team.”
The McLaren CEO acknowledges that a move to Ferrari seems the most plausible.
“Well, your guess is as good as mine. I know Adrian quite well, he will take some time, he can’t start with his new team tomorrow anyway. But Ferrari seems to be the hottest track, so let’s bet on that.”
A Red Bull spokesperson has already responded to Brown’s remarks: “Over the past few months, all of our technical leadership team has signed long-term contracts with Red Bull Racing.”
“So we do not know which resumes Zak is referring to, but we do not anticipate a significant loss and certainly not the domino effect Zak is hoping for.”
Newey’s Exit Sparks Red Bull Exodus Warning. Newey’s Exit Sparks Red Bull Exodus Warning
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