Max Verstappen believes it is difficult to predict how big an "influence" Adrian Newey will have at his next employer, as it largely depends on when he arrives.
Newey has been widely reported with a potential move for Ferrari next season ahead of the 2026 power unit regulations, whilst he will also take with him 19 years worth of Red Bull knowledge.
The side's former chief technical officer has designed all of Red Bull's winning cars, highlighting his significant role in the Milton Keynes-based outfit's success.
Verstappen does not doubt that the 65-year-old will make an impact wherever he goes next and be an advantage for them, although ponders whether the size of his influence will be determined by when he joins.
"I think always a person like Adrian with his experience, and of course, the knowledge that he has from our team, it should be an advantage," Verstappen told select media including RacingNews365.
"But then on the other hand, in '26, again, everything is very, very new, very different to how the cars are now. Before he would potentially join another team is in '25, then normally the cars are already designed for that year.
"So that is again something that you don't know how much of an influence he can have. But for sure with the new regulations, if you would go somewhere else, with his knowledge he can bring a lot to a team."
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Newey part of 'second family'
Not only is Verstappen losing one of the greatest F1 designers of all-time, he is also losing someone he is close with.
Verstappen described Newey as part of his "second family" and a person you want to stay but understands that in life, changes always happen.
"Well, it's also what I said before, like before he would potentially join another team then you are already into the new regulations" Verstappen explained.
"So then it's always very difficult to really know how much of an impact that will have. But like I said, also just as a person, as a friend, he's been, basically, part of the second family that I had within the team, that's also where Adrian was part of.
"You would have always wanted him to stay. At the end of the day, that's how life is."
Also interesting:
In the latest episode of the RacingNews365.com podcast, Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding look ahead at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The trio discuss last season's cancelled race at Imola, whether McLaren's Miami pace is genuine and if Mercedes teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his debut before he turns 18.
Want to watch the podcast instead of just listening? Check it out here.
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