Adrian Newey has always been one of the key factors to Red Bull’s success since 2009, using his natural talent to design the fastest cars.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Since joining the energy drink squad back in 2005, thanks to a mega move from Christian Horner getting him out of McLaren, the Brit has played an important part in building up two generations of dominant cars: From 2010 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel, and from 2021 to the present day with Max Verstappen.
Though he still plays a key role in Red Bull’s management, his biggest responsibility in the team nowadays is mainly focused on mentoring the next generation on the technical side.
In spite of not being directly involved in the design process anymore, this new “role” is even more important. The Austrian team is working hard to settle a technical department that doesn’t totally depend on Newey, in case one day he decides to step away from the sport, taking into account he’s already 65 years old.
Horner still thinks that the legendary designer is irreplaceable, but he adds that Pierre Wache is the right man in the current technical direction, leaving Newey’s legacy in safe hands.
“Adrian (Newey) is a big part of this team and big part of what we’ve achieved. But of course his role has evolved over the last few years.
“Red Bull is a team that, we’re stronger for having Adrian with us, but of course the rest of the team is evolving,” explained Red Bull’s Team Principal to Motorsport Network.
“The technical team beneath led by Pierre Wache is doing a wonderful job and so that they’re not reliant on Adrian. He has the ability to come in, come out and work on other projects and I think that’s part of the evolution of any team.”
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Meanwhile, Horner confessed his unconditional to Red Bull Racing. The Brit has led the team to six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championship since 2005.
“It’s always very flattering when you receive an offer or interest from another team, but my heart is here. I’ve built the team, I bought in from the very beginning, I feel a responsibility to the people and the shareholders and all the partners that we have.”
On the other side, Pierre Wache, doing an outstanding job as technical director since he took the responsibility back in 2018, feels that despite the recent success of the team in the last two seasons, there’s one and only Adrian Newey.
“He’s irreplaceable, yes, you cannot replace him!” said the Frenchman.
“On a daily basis, he’s not part of our process. He’s more coming from the sideways and trying to help us or challenge us on different aspects of the team , it could be mechanical design, aero or vehicle dynamics.
“You have to use him as experience, as he has less time for us. He’s not there to do the plan, to do the full concept of the car.”
Finally, Wache highlighted the great person Newey is, and how he creates a healthy working environment within the team as he is open to listening to other ideas that can benefit the car.
“He’s a very smart person, and he’s still very open-minded. People with plenty of success normally (think) their idea is the best, and he’s not like that. He’s very open-minded. I think he’s working like that, as a mentor and challenging us.”
