WILL RED BULL STAY AT THE TOP?
There was always the chance that the ructions at Red Bull Racing over the opening few months of 2024 could have some serious repercussions and it has proven to be the case. In the end, Red Bull has lost one of its most prized assets: Adrian Newey. If you were to ask an outsider which of the pillars of success at the Milton Keynes-based team was the most important, most would put Newey and his skills even higher up the list than the undoubted ability of Max Verstappen. Team principal Christian Horner and driver development guru Helmut Marko would feature as outsiders in that line-up.
The massive question is what happens next. Will the seafaring fan indulge his passion on the waves? Will he spend time racing his mouth-watering collection of historic machines? Or will he look at other areas of motor racing to turn his design genius to?
He had signed a contract to remain at Red Bull before he changed his mind, so he clearly isn’t done with grand prix racing quite yet, and that is what has put rival Formula 1 teams on high alert.
Of course, the length of any ‘gardening leave’ that Newey might have to go on should he decide to remain in Formula 1 could be expansive, which would create some headaches for any potential suitors for his services. And don’t think for a moment that he hasn’t already invested some time in preparing his current employers for the 2026 rules reset.
Any change in the pecking order might not come straight away, but this is the biggest speed bump that the remaining boffins at Red Bull have ever had to overcome.
In this issue, we also reflect on 30 years since the passing of the great Ayrton Senna. It is a moment imprinted on the minds of all fans who had seen him and we carry a selection of readers’ memories.
It was a busy race weekend too with all the action from the Silverstone British GT dogfight and the bumper-crunching opening meeting of the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park. Both events were badly affected by appalling weather, and MN must pay credit to the volunteer marshals and circuit staff who worked tirelessly to make these events happen.