Christian Horner explained that Adrian Newey has a unique way of working in modern Formula 1.
Christian Horner warned Red Bull’s rivals that signing Adrian Newey would mean a “complicated business” due to the current nature of Formula 1 as it is now.
In terms of team expenditure, the budget cap sets a limit for the entire season, excluding the drivers and the top three highest-paid employees. However, Horner clarified that Red Bull has already adapted to Newey’s work style during his 18-year tenure.
Christian Horner: Teams have to think through ‘very complicated business’ when hiring Adrian Newey
Ferrari is reportedly considering making another attempt to recruit Newey, despite facing rejection three times in the past for their Formula 1 and IndyCar teams. Additionally, Aston Martin has also expressed interest in acquiring Newey’s services. Furthermore, Williams team boss James Vowles confirmed having an initial conversation with Newey during his visit to Miami.
Newey arrived at Red Bull in 2006 after his departure from McLaren and has been able to form the design team in his own image, sticking to his guns as the only Formula 1 designer to operate with a pencil and paper before others feed his designs into CAD [computer-aided design] software.
According to Horner, Red Bull has successfully adjusted to his working style and anticipated his departure in early 2025 by empowering others to take on greater responsibilities as his role evolved.
Horner cautioned that another team could face difficulties if they attempted to assemble a team around Newey in the design department, considering the current limitations imposed on teams and the working style of the esteemed ‘design guru’ in the sport.
“In my opinion, Formula 1 has become an exceedingly intricate industry, especially with the inclusion of the cost cap and various factors that need to be considered,” Horner conveyed to the media in Miami.
It’s crucial to thoroughly consider the allocation of your funding and budgets, as well as the utilization of resources, to ensure you get the most value for your investment.
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Over the years, we developed a structure that revolved around Adrian, allowing us to adapt to his working style.
Adrian is the sole designer in Formula 1 who continues to work on a drawing board. However, due to increasingly stringent regulations, his role within the team has evolved and developed over the years, necessitating others to also take on additional responsibilities.
“We have had to modify and progress our work methods, just like any other organization. The need to constantly evolve and adjust is crucial, and that is exactly what we have experienced.”
After the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull continues to dominate this season’s World Championships. Max Verstappen holds a comfortable lead in the Drivers’ standings, while their team, based in Milton Keynes, sits 52 points ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors’ table.
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