AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and McLaren CEO Zak Brown attend the Team Principals Press Conference ahead of the final practice for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 22, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The Miami Grand Prix paddock has been buzzing with talks since Newey, the highly rated designer and multiple championship-winning figure in the sport, made a shocking announcement that he will be leaving Red Bull next year after almost two decades of service.
Newey, whose cars have clinched 25 Formula 1 drivers’ and constructors’ championships, may be the most sought-after free agent in the category, but Brown believes there could be a mass exodus of talent seeking to escape the chaos at Red Bull.
Brown told reporters in Miami: “Given everything that has transpired since the start of the year, and knowing Adrian well, he is a person of high integrity. I am not surprised that he is moving on.
“I believe the situation at Red Bull is causing some instability, which is likely to be the first domino to fall, and my prediction is it won’t be the last, given the number of impressive resumes circulating,” McLaren’s CEO revealed.
Brown’s statements support reports indicating that Newey’s decision to leave is related to allegations of misconduct by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner towards a staff member, who appealed the ruling that cleared Horner of any wrongdoing.
Following an internal team investigation, Horner was cleared of the accusations in February. He has also faced scrutiny over rumors of conflicts with Max Verstappen’s father, three-time Formula 1 world champion Jos, and Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko.
“We have noticed an increase in the number of resumes we receive from the Red Bull team,” Brown said. “Adrian is the most successful designer in history, so in addition to his technical expertise, people want to work for individuals like Adrian Newey and alongside him.
“I believe the team will miss his contributions from a purely technical standpoint, as well as the leadership and enthusiasm that people experience when working with him,” Brown added. (Reporting by Steve Keating)
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