Red Bull’s New Era: Horner Confident in Team Evolution

Christian Horner highlights Red Bull Racing’s resilience, emphasizing untapped potential within the team following Adrian Newey’s departure.

Jos Verstappen recently emphasized that Adrian Newey’s departure had an impact on Red Bull Racing in 2024.

The father of the four-time world champion argued that the team struggled to properly develop its RB20 under Pierre Waché’s leadership and is now waiting to see what modifications the RB21 will incorporate to make it both faster and more balanced this year.

Without denying Newey’s influence on the results, Christian Horner, the team principal, insists this isn’t the real issue. According to him, Red Bull Racing has been preparing for this transition for many years.

“It’s an evolution, but of course, there are names that grab the headlines, and Adrian in particular has played a huge role in the success we’ve achieved.”

“But really, since 2014, when he almost left for Ferrari, we had to prepare for the day he would decide to retire or step back — and that day came in 2024.”

“We will remember Adrian’s time with us with great affection and gratitude, but it’s an evolution, just as Jonathan Wheatley (now leading the Sauber/Audi F1 team) had the opportunity to advance his own career.”

“There’s untapped potential in everyone else, who now need to step up, and we’ve seen them do so with renewed enthusiasm, determination, and commitment.”

“Our staff turnover is less than 4%, well below the UK national average (16.8%), and probably lower than any Formula 1 team.”

“We do our best to take care of them, nurture them, and help them grow.”

Horner also responded to a recent claim by George Russell, who suggested that nearly a quarter of Red Bull Racing employees had sent their CVs to various teams during the 2024 season, particularly after the early-season controversy and Verstappen’s harsh criticism of his technical team over the summer.

“I’d be more concerned about other issues if I were George. I’m not sure where he thinks or to whom he believes they were offering their services, but all key personnel have made long-term commitments to the company.”

“If you look at people like Gianpiero Lambiase and the key members of the engineering team, they’re all on long-term contracts.”

“One of the less pleasant aspects of the business is the extent to which we try to capitalize on issues within other teams.”

“It’s worth remembering that we had a 2023 season where we didn’t just dominate — we crushed the competition, winning 22 out of 23 races.”

“I’ve said it before, but the higher you climb, the sharper the knives, and they got pretty sharp at times in 2024.”

“But when there’s so much at stake, other teams will use every tool at their disposal to try and destabilize what has been an extremely successful team.”