F1 enthusiasts have voiced their opinions on whether Adrian Newey’s departure would be a greater setback for Red Bull Racing compared to the potential departure of Max Verstappen.
Adrian Newey is set to part ways with Red Bull Racing in early 2025, while Max Verstappen’s future with the team remains uncertain, despite his contract running until the end of 2028.
The 65-year-old engineer has played a pivotal role in shaping Red Bull Racing into the dominant force it is today.
With four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles from 2010 to 2013, Newey has propelled the Milton Keynes squad to back-to-back championships in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Verstappen himself has clinched the title three times.
Verstappen’s tenure with the team appears precarious, raising the possibility of Red Bull Racing losing both Newey and the Dutch driver within a short time-frame, albeit slim.
Such a scenario would likely alter the team’s trajectory and impact its future prospects in F1, especially with the introduction of new regulations for chassis and power units in 2026.
Although Verstappen is unlikely to seek a move before the rule changes, as it would mean departing from a team poised as next season’s title favorites, there’s a chance he may confirm his departure for the following year, with Mercedes speculated as a potential destination.
Despite this uncertainty, a majority of F1 fans consider Newey’s departure to be the more significant loss for Red Bull Racing. In response to who would be the bigger loss, just over 27 percent of respondents cited Verstappen.
Red Bull Racing has tasted victory without Verstappen, but it has never achieved success without Newey’s contributions. Should Verstappen choose to remain, the team will soon discover if it can maintain its winning streak in 2026 and beyond.
