The show goes on' – Horner insists Red Bull have ‘strength and depth...

The show goes on’ – Horner insists Red Bull have ‘strength and depth…read more

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to manage the departures of key figures Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. Newey, the renowned Chief Technical Officer, is set to leave Red Bull at the beginning of 2025 to join Aston Martin as their Managing Technical Partner, while Wheatley, the Sporting Director, will transition to become Team Principal of the Audi F1 Team at the end of 2024, followed by a gardening leave in 2025.

Despite the significant changes, Horner reassured fans and stakeholders that the team possesses the necessary “strength and depth” to continue performing at a high level. He noted that Newey had been focused on developing the RB17 hypercar, which meant he hadn’t been involved in current F1 projects recently. “The show goes on,” Horner remarked, emphasizing that the team is gearing up for what he considers to be their most ambitious project yet: the development of their own power unit for the 2026 season.

Horner dismissed the notion that the team is facing a major rebuild due to the departures, instead framing it as an evolution that has been in the works for some time. “I would say rebuild goes way too far for two people that have left. It’s evolution,” he stated, highlighting that the changes have been part of a broader strategic plan.

In anticipation of the upcoming transitions, Red Bull has promoted several team members to new roles for 2025. Steve Knowles has been appointed as the new Head of Sporting Regulations, a role that will position him as the vital link between Red Bull and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). Knowles previously held a senior strategy position within the team. Additionally, Richard Wolverson will now oversee day-to-day track operations as the Head of Racing Operations.

Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will take on the dual role of Head of Racing while continuing to support Verstappen in his racing endeavors. These internal promotions reflect a strategic approach to maintaining continuity and leveraging the experience of longstanding team members.

Horner emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “It’s just a natural progression trackside with those personnel.” He believes that such changes are crucial for the organization to avoid stagnation and to foster growth. “If it remains stagnant, it fails to progress,” he warned, underscoring the value of providing opportunities for team members who have dedicated themselves to Red Bull over the years.

As the team looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, they are focused on ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining their competitive edge in Formula 1. The upcoming seasons present not only challenges but also opportunities for innovation and development. Horner’s comments reflect a forward-thinking mindset, as he aims to inspire confidence in both the team and its supporters during this period of change.

In summary, while the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley mark a significant shift for Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is optimistic about the team’s prospects. With a strong internal structure and strategic promotions in place, he believes Red Bull is well-equipped to navigate this transition and continue their pursuit of excellence in Formula 1. The focus now shifts to 2026, where the team aims to rise to new challenges with their own power unit, solidifying their position as a leading force in the sport.