SUZUKA, JAPÃO – 09 DE OUTUBRO: The race winner and 2022 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, of Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing, watch race highlights on a screen after the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Circuit on October 9, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Regardless of the cause – Christian Horner’s scandal, a highly dominant Formula 1 car, Max Verstappen contemplating his future – Newey’s departure from Red Bull after 19 years means the team heads to Miami this weekend with all eyes on them.
Newey played a key role in the team’s triumphs and his exit is seen as a significant setback for the Horner-led team, still recovering from the early season turmoil that involved the team in scandals and power struggles.
Addressing the media in Miami, Verstappen was asked about Newey’s announcement. He replied: « When he joined Red Bull, he was crucial to their success. Over time, however, his role changed and I believe many people do not understand the extent of his contributions. The team has seen the arrival of talented individuals who have strengthened the entire technical department. »
Expressing his preference for Newey to stay, Verstappen also expressed confidence in the team’s technical staff. He emphasized: « I trust the technical team we have, excluding Adrian. They are highly capable and have consistently demonstrated their ability in recent years. From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem dramatic, but if you truly understand the situation, it is not as serious as it seems. »
Lorsqu’on lui a demandé s’il avait essayé de persuader Newey de rester, Verstappen a répondu dans son style caractéristique, en disant : « Je n’ai pas besoin de convaincre qui que ce soit, car, en fin de compte, si quelqu’un veut vraiment partir, il devrait le faire. S’ils croient que c’est la bonne décision pour eux et leur famille, ou s’ils recherchent un nouveau défi, ils devraient aller de l’avant. La Formule 1 est un environnement impitoyable où chacun se préoccupe principalement de lui-même. Je ne suis pas naïf à ce sujet. »
(Rapporté par Agnes Carlier)
