McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, recently made headlines by labeling the Red Bull Racing team as “pretty toxic”. This statement followed the news of legendary aerodynamics chief, Adrian Newey, planning to depart the team in early 2025. Brown’s candid remarks shed light on the internal struggles within Red Bull, hinting at underlying issues in the team.
Brown expressed concerns about the impact of Newey’s departure on Red Bull, suggesting that the team might face challenges in maintaining sponsor relationships due to negative perceptions of their team culture. Referring to the situation, Brown was quoted by Crash.net, saying, “Red Bull’s current environment is toxic. More is to come.”
Highlighting the significance of Newey’s exit, Brown pointed out that many professionals kick-started their careers at Red Bull under his guidance, suggesting a potential wave of departures following his move.
Amidst these challenges, star driver Max Verstappen is facing uncertainties, with increasing interest from teams like Mercedes due to upcoming 2026 power unit regulations. Brown mentioned, “You’ve got the entire Verstappen story. He’s either staying or leaving. Max’s contract is very clear, but his father has been quite outspoken.”
Although acknowledging Red Bull Racing’s excellence, Brown also noted the current destabilized state of the team, exemplified by Newey’s departure. The CEO emphasized the need for readiness amidst the evolving dynamics of the competitive field, citing Ferrari and McLaren as the current frontrunners.
Newey’s exit marks a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing, potentially signifying deeper issues within the team. Speculations abound among F1 enthusiasts and experts, eagerly awaiting to see how Red Bull navigates these challenges and adapts to ensure continued success.