Amid Team Principal’s Mass Departure, Christian Horner Responds to Red Bull’s Mastermind Leaving the Milton Keynes Outfit

Adrian Newey’s role in Red Bull’s success of late is massive. The Red Bull CTO holds a legendary status not just among F1 teams, but also among F1 fans. As we have recently seen a mass exodus of team principals, Red Bull could see Newey’s departure soon. Christian Horner told that Red Bull have already discussed life after the retirement of the major architect of their success.

Red Bull finally halted the Mercedes juggernaut that was coming at the back of 8 consecutive world championship wins. The campaign did not start on the best note though. The car faced the issues of being overweight and reliability in general. The Milton-Keynes-based team suffered 3 DNFs in the first three races. However, in no time, they made the necessary corrective measures and delivered a car that broke records left, right, and center, all courtesy of Adrian Newey and his team’s genius.

Speaking about Newey’s retirement with Speedcafe, Christian Horner said, “It’s something that obviously we’ve looked [at] and discussed for a period of time.”

“He splits his time across various projects, and that’s forced the other guys to step up,” Horner added. “We have Pierre Wache as Technical Director and the technical team. They’ve done a fantastic job, and obviously Adrian feeds into that and works closely with that group.”

“He’s got an encyclopedia of knowledge, but it’s great to see the strength and depth that we have technically and the way that they’ve delivered.”

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The 2023 season will not be easy for Red Bull given the wind tunnel penalty they will endure because of the cost cap breach. Horner urged his team not to rest on their laurels and pull up their socks for the new challenge.

Christian Horner fires a warning shot at team Red Bull

FIA found Red Bull guilty of breaching the budget cap by $2.2 million. The actual breach was for around $400,000, though the failure to correctly report tax receipts inflated the breach by $1.4 million. Resultantly, the ruling body handed them a $7 million fine and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time. The latter sanction could prove a lot more costly as it could affect the next year’s car’s development.

“You are learning every race,” Horner told GP Fans. “You learn in this business never to expect a quiet life, especially when you are running at the front.”

“Never be complacent about winning and enjoy every result, enjoy every victory and enjoy every moment because it is so well earned and it means so much that they should never be underestimated.”

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Do you think the sanctions will prove costly to Red Bull’s title-defending race in 2023? Or will they cruise through with the momentum?