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Red Bull Racing Adjusts to Key Staff Departures Ahead of 2025 F1 Season
In a recent statement, Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner addressed the exit of two prominent figures from the team as it prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Technical director Adrian Newey, a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s success, announced his departure during the Miami Grand Prix, where he will transition to focus on the RB17 hypercar project before moving to Aston Martin. Shortly after, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley confirmed his shift to become the team principal for Audi’s upcoming F1 program.
Newey and Wheatley have been integral to Red Bull since its inception, contributing significantly to the championship victories of drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Despite their significant contributions, Horner maintains a calm perspective regarding the potential impact of their departures. “We’ve only lost two people, and to be honest, Adrian had already shifted his focus to the RB17, not working on any F1 projects for us,” he mentioned in an interview with Motorsport.com. He reflected on their roles, stating, “It’s certainly sad to see them go, as they’ve both been important to the team.” However, he emphasized the ongoing evolution of the team, implying that the loss does not signal a full-scale rebuild, but rather a natural transition.
“The show must go on, and we have considerable strength and depth within our team,” Horner affirmed. He also highlighted the upcoming challenges, particularly the ambitious project related to the construction of their own power unit, which is slated for 2026. According to Horner, 2025 will see Wheatley stepping away from the pit wall, but for the most part, the team’s operational integrity will remain unchanged.
Leadership Changes and Future Directions
Rejecting the notion of a major organizational shakeup, Horner asserted, “The term ‘rebuild’ is too strong for the departures we’re experiencing; it’s all part of an evolution process that has been planned for some time.” The Red Bull team, which recently lost its constructors’ championship title to McLaren and Ferrari, has initiated further management adjustments. Notably, Gianpiero Lambiase, who has been serving as Verstappen’s race engineer, has been promoted to head of racing. Former senior strategy engineer Stephen Knowles will now oversee compliance with F1 regulations as the head of sporting regulations, while Richard Wolverson will take on the role of head of racing operations.
As for Lambiase’s new role, Horner assured fans that he would still be closely working with Verstappen, stating, “Yes, he’ll still be working directly with Max, albeit in a broader role as he steps up.” Horner conveyed optimism regarding these transitions, highlighting that fostering growth within the team is crucial for continuous improvement. “Sometimes, organizations can become stagnant, which can hinder progress,” he remarked. “This change represents a fantastic opportunity for long-standing team members to advance in their careers.”
Conclusion
As Red Bull Racing prepares for the challenges ahead in the 2025 season and beyond, the team appears focused on maintaining stability while embracing necessary changes. With key personnel stepping into new roles, Red Bull aims to remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1.
Source
www.motorsport.com