After much speculation, Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull was finally confirmed.
Sunday’s F1 news is here, and Adrian Newey has opened up about his surprise at everyone’s outpouring of emotion, praise and at him leaving Red Bull.
If you prefer to stay unnoticed, it is not surprising. However, when your designs have contributed to 25 Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles throughout the years, it is understandable that people might want to discuss it, whether a little or a lot. So, without further ado, let’s delve into it, shall we?
Adrian Newey’s ‘shock and surprise’ at reaction to Red Bull departure
Adrian Newey, despite his tendency to avoid attention, has undeniably made a significant impact on the sport. However, he has been surprised by the overwhelming response from people upon hearing the news of his departure from Red Bull in early 2022.
During an interview with Sky F1, Newey expressed his surprise when questioned about people’s reaction to the news.
From childhood, I have been fortunate enough to pursue my lifelong dream job, which is truly my passion.
What motivates and gets me out of bed is collaborating with drivers, team engineers, and all the other mechanics at the factory.
I suppose the flip side of it is something that I never really consider, but it’s typically included. Therefore, it has been quite surprising and unexpected.
Read more: Adrian Newey left ‘shocked and surprised’ over Red Bull exit reaction
Max Verstappen warned against ‘stupid’ Red Bull departure
Juan Pablo Montoya, a former beloved figure in Formula 1, voiced his opposition to Max Verstappen’s potential departure from the team to join Mercedes. Montoya’s stance is straightforward: why would anyone relinquish the current best position on the grid?
“I highly doubt Verstappen will leave, in my opinion, it would be foolish of him to do so,” Montoya expressed to RacingNews365.
“Max is causing quite a buzz with everyone speculating, ‘Oh, he’s going to depart from Red Bull’, and you wonder, ‘Why would he leave Red Bull when they are dominating everything?'”
“If you are present for the right motive, you will refrain from interfering, but if you are not there for the right reason, you will depart.”
Read more: Max Verstappen warned against ‘stupid’ Red Bull decision as ‘p*ssed’ Jos theory raised
Oscar Piastri performed even better in Miami than initially thought…
While Lando Norris had the full suite of McLaren upgrades on his car in Miami, Oscar Piastri had half of them and will have all of them at the next race at Imola.
According to team principal Andrea Stella, if the full package had been applied, the young Aussie’s pace could have matched, and maybe even surpassed, Norris in Miami.
Despite damaging his front wing in contact with Carlos Sainz, he ultimately finished outside the points. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging sign from the McLaren garage.
Read more: McLaren reveal hidden Oscar Piastri data that will alert Lando Norris
Carlos Sainz receives World Champion backing for F1 2025 waiting game
Jenson Button, who has not yet confirmed his seat for the 2025 season despite Sauber’s interest, commended Carlos Sainz for his patient approach. Sainz is wisely waiting to see if he receives offers from Red Bull or Mercedes, which could provide a more competitive package in the near future. It is worth noting that Sauber will transform into Audi in 2026.
“I think he has to take risks, but I think waiting it out and maybe getting a Red Bull seat or maybe getting a Mercedes seat is the direction he needs to take,” Button said on Sky F1.
“He is unwilling to wait for another three or four years to secure a competitive position at Audi, so I believe he is making the correct decision.”
Read more: Carlos Sainz ‘doing the right thing’ as World Champion backs ousted Ferrari driver’s F1 2025 risk
Alpine drivers giving their future thought as contract deadlines approach
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, who both have contracts with Alpine expiring this year, have shared their perspectives on the team’s current situation and expressed their considerations regarding their future with the team.
Gasly emphasized the need to primarily discuss on-track issues, but also stressed the significance of the 2026 power unit in development. Meanwhile, Ocon acknowledged the uncertainty of the future and expressed his dedication to working tirelessly with the team.
“I have always held the belief that my involvement in this project has been meaningful, and when I committed to a three-year agreement three years ago, I had valid reasons for doing so.”
I am currently taking each race as it comes, and only time will tell what the future has in store for me.
Read more: F1 2024 strugglers giving drivers ‘a lot to consider’ before committing their futures
