Not Max Verstappen: Ex-F1 Champion Suggests This Red Bull Member is Key to 2021 Title Hopes

Red Bull have two heavy hitters on their team, one is Max Verstappen, and the other is Adrian Newey. According to former world champion, Damon Hill, having Newey in the team gives the title contenders the edge in their battle against Mercedes.

Newey is probably the most celebrated designer in the sport’s history. He has designed some of the fastest cars in F1 such as the 1992-1997 Williams, the 1998 McLaren, and the all-conquering 2013 RB9. Notably, his presence at the US GP was crucial in the performance turnaround of the team.

Although he has been largely absent since the summer break, Hill believes having him on the pit wall will be pivotal for the team.

WATCH STORY: Ranking the Best Special Edition Liveries of Red Bull F1

Damon Hill emphasizes the importance of Newey in Red Bull

As reported by Motorsport. Tr, the Newey designed Williams helped Damon win the title in 1996. He also pointed out that his presence in the paddock will be an enormous boost for the Milton-Keyes-based team.

“I want to point out how big of an impact Adrian has had. Because Adrian had a little accident with his bike in the summer and has been away from the paddock since that accident,” said Damon.

“But it’s back in Austin this weekend. Red Bull didn’t look like they had the pace on the first day, at least on top of everything else. Mercedes seemed to have the advantage. However, they continued to work, and they got better,” he added.

“Some people felt that the team could not optimize the car in Turkey. Actually, Mercedes had not found anything, Red Bull had lost something or could not get the best efficiency from the car’s settings. But they definitely got better over the weekend in Austin,” said Hill.

The former world champion is correct in emphasizing the role of Newey in the Austrian team. Having him within the team will give them confidence as the season has only 5 races remaining.

READ MORE: Who Owns the Red Bull F1 Team?