Red Bull chief explains 'simple conclusion' in avoiding exit

Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan has conceded in a joint interview involving RacingNews365, that it was a "simple conclusion" to remain with a team that has now lost two of its major players this season.

F1 was stunned when Red Bull announced on May 1 that Adrian Newey would be leaving the team in early 2025 after 19 years' service. At the time, there were rumours sporting director Jonathan Wheatley was seeking a move away, potentially becoming a team principal.

After 18 years with Red Bull, Wheatley's ambitions have now been realised as he will become Audi team boss next year, forming a management partnership with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto ahead of the manufacturer joining F1 in 2026.

It was announced over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend that Monaghan, who has been with the team since its inception after it rebadged from Jaguar in 2005, had signed a new extended contract.

Explaining to RacingNews365 as to why, Monaghan said: "It felt like the right thing to do is the simple conclusion

"Good, bad, indifferent, is the grass greener on the other side? I don't know. And you look at what's coming over the next few years, and I know people come and go, but it's kind of become home."

Red Bull job 'not a real one'

Reflecting on the fact Red Bull is building its own power units ahead of the new-for-2026 regulation changes, Monaghan added: "We are autonomous aren't we. What an opportunity.

"What a wonderful investment, that Red Bull is making time for us to do our own engine. It's mad isn't it, but brilliant.

"It's not going to be a cruise. It's going to be hard work, a lot of hours, and it's going to be weekends, all that sort of thing. You accept that when you enter this pool."

Whilst Newey, and now Wheatley have opted to head off for pastures new, Monaghan ultimately felt there was no need to leave his "home" for almost 20 years.

"Primarily what I set out wanting was to enjoy it,"he added. "Would it be as enjoyable elsewhere? I don't know.

"But everything I've got here makes it fun, makes it enjoyable. You get up in the morning, and it's not a real job.

"I read a quote somewhere - 'Find something you love doing and never do a day's work in your life'.

"Well, it goes towards that good, bad, indifferent, good days, bad days. I like the people I work with - I don't know whether they like me, they'll probably be quite the opposite - but, yeah, I enjoy it."