Red Bull chief declares team has 'something to prove' after Newey exit

Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché has insisted that Red Bull is keen to prove it can be successful without the influence of Adrian Newey.

Newey, regarded as one of the all-time greatest Formula 1 car designers, will depart his role as chief technical officer in early 2025.

The Briton has been an integral part of Red Bull's F1 success, overseeing the construction and development of its seven championship-winning cars.

With Newey's exit from the team coming in early 2025, Waché has committed his future to the squad for the coming years and highlighted the team was not taken by surprise by Newey's decision.

“I think with knowing Adrian… I think everybody knows in this business, Adrian is a big man in this business and maybe the most successful engineer in F1,” Wache told media including RacingNews365. 

“I think it's a big effect for us, but the team was prepared. It's not like we expect him for 20 years more. 

“We have to build the team around and make sure that we are prepared for this eventuality.”

Newey's next move after Red Bull has not yet been confirmed, with several F1 teams believed to be chasing his services.

When asked by RacingNews365 if Newey won't be missed as much as is being portrayed, Wache replied: “It's difficult to answer that for sure. It's what we are planning for. It's what we are working for. 

“But the future will tell us after all we are in the competitive environment. As the people say, they are working hard to catch us. 

“We are working hard to stay ahead. Now the team has to, and anyway before it was a team effort to deliver this car. It's not one person that delivers this car. 

“I would say yes, we are prepared to work as a team to deliver a car after if one person leave, it's a shame, but you know, and even more this type of person like Adrian, that is big important on it. 

“But you know, we were prepared for that for sure. And I think it's something we have to prove around the year and next year”