The love pouring in for Adrian Newey after his magnificent Red Bull stint ends is enormous. His genius creations helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen conquer F1 dominantly. Verstappen, who benefitted massively from Newey’s ground-effect Red Bull cars, had said that he understood why the technical mastermind quit Red Bull to survive in F1’s “shark tank”. While the Dutchman’s earlier statement was based on pragmatism, his latest one reveals his innermost emotions.

“It has been a bit of a shock and a surprise almost,” Newey said about the overwhelming support he received after his official resignation. Though he might’ve quit because of Red Bull’s internal tension, the end seems beautiful nonetheless. Team Principal Christian Horner, Advisor Helmut Marko, and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff only had good to say about their ex-CTO. Max Verstappen too has finally opened up on what Newey meant to him.

“I think it was great to be able to work with Adrian so closely,” Verstappen said in Red Bull’s Miami GP YT video. “He’s always going to be a friend of Red Bull and I think everyone will always be very thankful of his contribution to the team. It’s how life is as well. At one point, you might part your ways, but you will always appreciate and enjoy what you have achieved together.”

Verstappen’s words shine a light on the inherent nature of sporting relationships that transcend the boundaries of a team. Interestingly, many rumors have also indicated at the 3-time champion’s exit. But unlike Newey, Verstappen’s similar decision would be unidealistic, according to a former F1 driver.

Max Verstappen hit with “stupid” remark over rumored Red Bull Exit

Max Verstappen has been linked to a $160 million Mercedes move to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025. In comparison to Adrian Newey’s exit, there’s a major snag. The British engineer successfully got away from the politics within Red Bull, which was reportedly his intention. But Verstappen doesn’t have the same issue. If he leaves, he would be stepping away from the fastest car on the grid.

“I really don’t [see Verstappen leaving], I think he would be stupid if he did,” Juan Pablo Montoya told RN365. “Max has everybody talking: ‘Oh, he is going to leave Red Bull’, and you go, ‘Why would you leave Red Bull if they’re winning everything?’ Unless you are not there for the right reason, you will leave, but if you are there for the right reason, you wouldn’t touch it.”

While industry insiders are pretty clear about what the reigning world champion should do, it only remains to be seen what the Dutchman will decide upon. What do you think of this increasingly complex situation at Red Bull? Will their soon-to-be 4-time champion leave at his peak, like Sebastian Vettel did?