Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache has confirmed that the team’s organizational structure has remained intact following Adrian Newey’s departure from his technical role. Although Newey continues to contribute to the team as a strategist and is currently focusing on his RB17 hypercar project, his involvement in car design has ceased.
Initially, Red Bull viewed Newey’s departure as a major loss and a significant opportunity for other teams, with Aston Martin reportedly poised to secure his expertise in 2025. However, Wache emphasized that the transition has been smooth and that the team was well-prepared for this change.
In an interview, Wache reflected on Newey’s impact and the team’s adaptation to his reduced role. Wache said that Adrian provided invaluable feedback and advice. “His experience and success were tremendously beneficial. However, our daily operations have not fundamentally changed. We no longer have his direct oversight, but our approach remains the same.”
Regarding Newey’s contribution to the RB20, Wache noted, “His involvement was less significant this year, but he was still part of the team’s efforts with the RB20. Nonetheless, our focus remains on moving forward as a cohesive unit, not on individual contributions.”
Wache further explained that Red Bull had proactively prepared for life without Newey. The team’s strong technical leadership, including head of aerodynamics Enrico Balbo and head of performance engineering Ben Waterhouse—both of whom renewed their contracts earlier this year—has helped maintain stability.
“The organization was already structured to function effectively without Adrian’s input,” Wache explained. “This preparation was essential because there have been times in the past when Newey’s presence was less frequent. While his direct input is no longer present, our organization remains unchanged. We continue to focus on our goals and adapt as a team.”
Wache underscored the importance of teamwork and the collective strength of the technical staff. “No single individual is responsible for everything,” he said. “We strive to hire talented individuals who complement each other’s skills. The key is working together as a cohesive unit, leveraging each person’s strengths to achieve our objectives.”
In conclusion, while Adrian Newey’s departure marked a significant shift for Red Bull. The team’s robust structure and forward-focused mindset have ensured that its technical operations continue to thrive.
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