Red Bull Sidelined Newey, Limits Strategy Role

Adrian Newey faces restricted involvement at Red Bull, focusing solely on strategic aspects.

Red Bull has confirmed that Adrian Newey has been excluded from the technical meetings regarding the Grand Prix. Christian Horner, the team principal, revealed that the engineer and designer, who will be free of any contract at the start of next year, is no longer actively involved in the F1 team.

“Adrian is now focusing on the RB17,” said Horner, confirming the sidelining of the engineer. “He did not participate in any briefing meetings over the weekend, except for race strategy.”

“He has no access to any data, he does not design parts, and he is now focusing on the RB17 until the end of his contract. He will attend a few races by the end of the year, mainly where we have clients for the RB17.”

Horner assures that this has nothing to do with the possibility of Newey joining another team, as he himself is betting on the engineer taking a step back in the months following his departure.

“I think Adrian is going to take a step back from Formula 1 and, at 65, you can’t blame him. I think he has earned this right. He has earned the right to take some time off. What he chooses to do next will be his choice.”