Max Verstappen has attempted to quell discussion around Red Bull’s loss of Adrian Newey to Formula 1 rivals Aston Martin, expressing that the situation is now “done”.
The reigning World Champion enters a title defence for the first time without the storied technical guru, who opted to sever ties with the Milton Keynes squad last May.
Newey began his new role as Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner earlier this week, having been on gardening leave since the announcement back in September.
Red Bull’s long-standing Technical Director Pierre Wache has overseen work on Red Bull’s RB21, and Verstappen has pledged faith in the technical cohort beneath him.
“I don’t think we should think about that too much,” Verstappen told the BBC regarding Newey. “It is done.
“He is not there any more. That’s how it is. It’s how it’s been last year.
“And I trust also the people who are there at the moment. We have to do it all together.
“It is a team effort, but I have a lot of respect for what Adrian has done for the team, have a great relationship with Adrian and I am excited for him to start a new project.”
Red Bull on the back foot amid Verstappen exit rumours
Red Bull departed pre-season testing in Bahrain last week admitting that it is not at the level required to challenge McLaren, despite the progress made with the RB21.
In the circumstance where he doesn’t have a championship-contending package at his disposal, Verstappen’s future is poised to be brought into the limelight again.
The Dutchman has been linked with a potential move to Aston Martin and he disclosed late last term that he had an interest in reuniting with Newey at some stage.
Asked whether he would like to drive a Newey-designed car, Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week: “That is something maybe for the future that I think about, not now.
“Adrian and I, we have a very good understanding. I sent him also a message after the news came out, even though, of course, I knew that it was coming. So I’m happy for him.”
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