Verstappen continues to work with Newey: 'Obviously very happy'

4 May 2023 at 21:15

Last update 4 May 2023 at 21:46

GPblog.com

Adrian Newey's contract at Red Bull Racing was about to expire after this season, but the top designer recently signed a new contract. Helmut Marko himself expressed his hope that Newey will remain linked to the Austrian racing stable until his retirement. Max Verstappen is also (obviously) happy with the contract extension.

Adrian Newey, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have formed an excellent three-man front at Red Bull for many years. With building the RB16B and RB18 (and now the RB19, of course), Newey has been very important in winning several world titles over the past two years. That the 64-year-old Briton will be retained is therefore a nice boost for all of Red Bull.

In the press conference, Verstappen was asked whether if more personnel commit his future to the team, it will affect his decision towards 2028. "Well, nothing will influence anything to 2028 because I have a contract. But yeah, I'm very happy of course that Adrian stays, but that goes for everyone in the team, right?"

Is Red Bull team holding together?

The reigning world champion continued, "I mean, when you're doing really well, you want to try and keep that whole group together. And that's of course also the target for the team for the future." Leaders Enrico Balbo and Pierre Waché appear to be retained for Red Bull in any case. Both men are said not to have accepted advances from Ferrari.

Nevertheless, a number of Red Bull employees are reportedly about to make the transition to Italy. Names are not known, but it is clear that Frederic Vasseur's team wants to 'rob' its rival of staff.