Adrian Newey collaborated with Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel during their dominant years at Red Bull. Newey, a renowned aerodynamics expert, played a crucial role in propelling these drivers to the pinnacle of their Formula 1 careers. The British designer’s projects resulted in a total of seven world championships for Verstappen and Vettel combined. As Verstappen prepares for his fourth championship this year, Newey considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such talented drivers. Their feedback has been invaluable to the aerodynamics genius, as different drivers have shown sensitivities to various aspects of the car’s performance.
Newey identified a common characteristic between Vettel and Verstappen when it comes to their approach to tire management. Both drivers are highly sensitive to tire conditions, requiring them to be within the ideal range and needing a perfect car setup. Additionally, Newey observed a similarity between himself and the drivers in terms of sensitivity to aerodynamic changes.
In the world of Formula 1, drivers provide different types of feedback regarding the car’s performance. Teams must carefully analyze and synthesize this information to reach the ideal setup. Although modern cars are equipped with plenty of sensors, Newey emphasizes the importance of human feedback. Drivers have a unique ability to feel and articulate the car’s performance, which cannot be replicated by machines. Therefore, it is crucial for Red Bull to understand the perspectives of drivers like Verstappen and Perez after each session.
Thanks to Newey’s expertise in car development, Red Bull continues to dominate the sport. Verstappen is on the verge of securing the championship title in the 2024 season, while Ferrari poses a formidable challenge to Red Bull’s supremacy in the current season.
