Red Bull has been warned of the potential consequences that could befall the team if Adrian Newey opts to exit his position as chief technical officer.
Recent reports have suggested that Newey is looking to depart the team and RacingNews365 understands the exit will come at the end of the current campaign.
Newey is widely regarded as one of the greatest car designers in Formula 1 history and has played an instrumental role in Red Bull's success.
However, unrest has grown within Red Bull despite its recent dominance with a power struggle emerging between the Thai and Austrian owners.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, ex-Aston Martin strategy engineer Bernie Collins outlined it would severely dent Red Bull's title hopes if Newey decided to leave.
“It’s big news and it’s been bubbling for a little while, there’s been a lot of discussion about Adrian’s contract and where he’s going to go - is it Aston? Is it Ferrari?” she said.
“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, ‘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 would not be there for the change in regulations in 2026 and that would 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, even when they weren’t winning.
“This would have a massive knock-on effect to their championship chances.”
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Retaining Newey 'crucial' to 2026 success
In addition to speculation surrounding Newey, Max Verstappen has also been linked with a move away amid the power struggle occurring at the squad, despite having a contract in place until 2028.
When asked if Newey or Verstappen is having a bigger impact on Red Bull's form, Collins stated: “That’s possibly a bigger question.
“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.
“In 2026 with the new regulations, 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.”
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