Max Verstappen has extended his best wishes to Adrian Newey as it is confirmed that the renowned designer will join Aston Martin following his tenure at Red Bull.
Aston Martin announced on Tuesday that Newey will become their new Managing Technical Partner starting March 1, 2025, marking the end of his nearly two-decade association with Red Bull. During his time at Red Bull, Newey played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s career, contributing to all 61 of the driver’s Grand Prix victories and three world titles.
The announcement of Newey’s departure coincides with a challenging period for Red Bull, who have struggled to secure a race win since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, shortly after Newey stepped back from F1 duties.
When asked about the impact of Newey’s move to Aston Martin and the ongoing issues with the RB20, Verstappen responded: “I’m not surprised, as I was aware it was coming. It’s tough to gauge how the team is operating from my side… I’m pleased for Adrian, and while I quickly spoke with him, it’s clear he’s seeking new challenges.”
Verstappen acknowledged that Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is committed to making Newey’s transition a success, expressing hope that it will be fruitful. Meanwhile, Red Bull is focused on addressing the car’s issues, recognizing that quick fixes are not feasible, especially under the constraints of the budget cap.
Regarding the effect of Newey’s departure on Red Bull, Verstappen noted: “It’s hard to say how much of an impact it has had. When someone decides to leave, you have to adapt and move forward. We’ve had significant success together, but it’s essential to look ahead and focus on improving the car’s performance.”
Earlier on Thursday, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack hinted that the team would be open to the possibility of Verstappen joining them in the future, should he wish to follow in Newey’s footsteps.
Heading into this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, while McLaren is closing in on Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, trailing by just eight points.
