Verstappen Dismisses Newey’s Departure as Cause of Red Bull’s F1 Struggles Ahead of 2024 Season’s Climax

Max Verstappen's assessment: Is Red Bull's recent downturn related to Adrian Newey's departure?

"Typically, no. However, things have become more challenging since his exit was confirmed."

Triple Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen doubts that Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull has had any effect on the team's racing results in 2024.

Before the Miami Grand Prix takes place, Red Bull revealed that Newey is set to depart from the team by the early months of 2025.

Since that time, Red Bull has found themselves embroiled in the competition to advance their technology, with their leading position in the constructors' championship now at risk.

McLaren is trailing Red Bull by 30 points, with nine races remaining in the season, and they have the advantage of momentum.

In 2024, Red Bull faced challenges with their recent improvements, opting to return to a previous version of their car's floor to seek solutions during the most recent race at Zandvoort.

During a press conference at the Italian Grand Prix, attended by Crash.net, Verstappen addressed inquiries regarding whether Red Bull's downturn in performance is associated with Newey's exit.

He responded, "Usually, no. However, since the news of his departure came out, things have been tougher. Yet, the fact that someone is, for instance, departing immediately shouldn't directly lead to a decline in performance.

"The vehicle has remained unchanged. Therefore, typically, no."

Verstappen disclosed that communication with Newey has been minimal in "recent weeks" following the relocation of his office within the Red Bull facility.

"He noted that the past few weeks haven't been great. Additionally, he mentioned that he also changed his office location at the factory."

"Whenever we meet – I must say, our bond has always been strong; there's never been any issue."

Verstappen also acknowledged that it wouldn’t be “fair” to question him regarding the car due to his upcoming shift in role within the team before his exit next year.

"No, and I believe it would also be somewhat unjust to proceed in that manner," he clarified.

Verstappen leads Lando Norris by a margin of 70 points in the championship standings for drivers.

Although they finished more than 20 seconds behind the driver from McLaren, Red Bull is anticipated to perform better at the Monza circuit this upcoming weekend.

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