Max Verstappen has admitted that he “would have preferred” Adrian Newey to remain with Red Bull into the future, but the reigning world champion “doesn’t blame” the legendary F1 designer for deciding to move on.
Newey was at the centre of the news heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix thanks to confirmation that his time at Red Bull will be coming to an end in early 2025, following a period of almost two decades onboard.
During his lengthy stint at the Milton Keynes operation, Red Bull have gone from points scorers to a championship-winning force, with Newey contributing to six constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles over the years.
“I would have preferred, of course, Adrian to stay, but at the end of the day also… and that’s what I said to Adrian, you have to do what you think is best for yourself,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1, when asked for his take on the development.
“F1 is a bit of a shark tank, you know, and I think it’s very important that you do think about yourself, that you make the right decision for yourself and your family.
“I also don’t blame him… if someone wants to leave, [and] you [want to] go and pursue other goals or things in life, that’s absolutely fine.”