Marko names possible reason for Newey's Red Bull departure

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on Adrian Newey's exit from the team, offering his own theory over the Briton's departure.

Newey has scaled back his involvement with the Formula 1 team and will leave the company entirely in early 2025.

The Briton has been instrumental to Red Bull's F1 success, including its current period of dominance which has seen it cruise to double championship glory in 2022 and 2023.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko stated Red Bull must accept the prospect of Newey being “burned out” after almost 20 years of service.

"It came as a surprise, but if the motivation is gone and he had a kind of burned out feeling, then you have to accept that,” he said.

“Because of his incredible performance at Red Bull Racing, a mutually acceptable solution was found for the termination of the contract.

"Newey's departure is of course painful. He is the best designer in Formula 1 and he is highly respected as a human being.

“But on the other hand, we have such a broadly composed technical team, now led by Pierre Waché, including young talent. So I don't see any problems in performance that we are going to disappoint.”

Marko fears rival move

Newey has been heavily linked with a switch to Ferrari, while Williams has also voiced interest in re-acquiring his services.

Marko admitted he is fearful over the prospect of Newey opting to join a rival team.

"I am afraid that after a certain period of reflection, he will have that hunger for racing again and then he will be available for another team and not for us,” he said.

“His greatest strength has actually always been when there are changes in the regulations and now, thank god, that is not until 2026.

“Until then, I am convinced that our current team brings the necessary experience and knowledge to ensure that we remain competitive.

“But of course it is a weakening psychologically.”