Max Verstappen would have “hoped” Adrian Newey had stayed at Red Bull, but also encouraged him to do what was best for him given what was clear at the moment.
Newey has been hailed as a key factor in Red Bull’s dominance in F1’s ground effects era, with the team already looking well set for a third consecutive double title in F1 in 2024. Verstappen is leading the drivers’ championship as he aims for his fourth world title. Championship on the trot.
Max Verstappen told Adrian Newey: ‘Do what’s best for you’
Newey’s achievements in designing title-winning cars for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull have cemented him as one of the greatest designers in F1 history, but his history with Red Bull has been marked by the end of the first quarter. It is now coming to an end as it prepares to withdraw later. 2025”. His involvement with Red Bull F1 has now ended.
While his departure is not good news for Verstappen, the Dutchman revealed he had encouraged Newey to make the best decision for him and his family, describing F1 as “Shark Tank”.
Verstappen told Sky F1: “Obviously I wanted Adrian to stay, but at the end of the day that’s what I also said to Adrian: ‘You have to do what you think is best for you.’ ” he said. Because, after all, F1 is like Shark Tank.
“And I think it’s really important to think about yourself and make the right decisions for yourself and your family.”
“So I don’t blame him either. Like, if someone wants to quit, you pursue other goals and things in life. So it’s totally fine.”
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But Newey’s F1 story may not be over yet, with the likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin linked with moves to acquire his services.
And Lewis Hamilton, who will move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, is “very” keen for Newey to join Ferrari.
When asked by the media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix how much he wanted Newey to follow Ferrari, Hamilton replied:
“Adrian has a great history and track record and has done a great job throughout his career in terms of his involvement with teams and I think he will be a great addition with his knowledge.
“I think they already have a great team. They’ve already made great strides and are moving forward. Their car is fast this year. But yeah, if I could work with him It would be an honor.
“If I were to make a list of people I would like to work with, he would definitely be at the top of it.”
Verstappen will aim to maintain his unbeaten record this weekend with his third win in Miami.
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