Ex-Formula 1 strategist Bernie Collins has warned Red Bull about the “massive repercussions” that could occur in the event that design legend Adrian Newey departs.
Reports have circled this week that Newey has decided to leave Red Bull to bring the curtain down on a near two-decade spell that has comprised 13 championships.
The Briton, 65, has since been linked with completing a switch to Ferrari, while it was also written last month that Aston Martin has attempted to acquire his services.
With work on the new technical rules for 2026 permitted from January, Collins believes that Newey’s potential exit will hamper Red Bull’s prospects of remaining on top.
“It’s big news and it’s been bubbling for a little while, there’s been a lot of discussion about Adrian’s contract where he’s going to go, is it Aston? Is it Ferrari?” Collins told Sky Sports F1.
“It’s big, big news for any team because within a team, you have these leaders regardless of how much they actually do – which I think is what Christian [Horner] is trying to say, ‘you know, there’s a lot of other designers working in the background.’
“But this team is built around Adrian. He’s grown the team, he’s built the structure, and the bigger power struggle is worrying as well.
“This would mean that Adrian will not be there for the change in regulations for 2026 and that will have massive repercussions for the performance of this car.
“Red Bull has been standout strongest in aerodynamics for the last few years, and even previous to that when they weren’t winning.
“This will have a massive knock-on effect to their championship chances.”
Newey’s possible egress is reported to have emanated from being unsettled with the ongoing saga regarding the probe into Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s conduct.
Collins reckons that the erstwhile Williams and McLaren designer leaving might prompt a mass exodus that could see Max Verstappen elect to head to pastures new.
“We don’t know that the ball’s fully rolled all the way yet because this is a sign of a bigger power struggle,” Collins added.
“So, is Max happy as well? You know, there’s been a lot of discussion around that.
“That’s possibly a bigger question, but Max and a lot of drivers have won because of the car, because the car is strong, you need both of the combination.
“This will potentially not impact next year, even if Adrian is on gardening leave then, but in 2026 with the new regs, if he is not working on that car and there is this internal power struggle within the team that is working on that car, despite how many great aerodynamics engineers that you have, you need the team working together and you need that leadership.
“So this is really crucial for their 2026 chances.”
