Christian Horner reportedly ‘activating protocol’ to safeguard Adrian Newey’s ‘right-hand man’ amidst Red Bull exit rumors

As per reports, Christian Horner is trying to protect Red Bull's technical leadership amidst rumors of Adrian Newey's potential exit.

Christian Horner reportedly ‘activating protocol’ to safeguard Adrian Newey’s ‘right-hand man’ amidst Red Bull exit rumors

Adrian Newey and Christian Horner (Via IMAGO)

Red Bull has delivered consistent on-track performances in 2024. However, things have been difficult for Milton Keynes due to alleged internal turmoil after an investigation into Christian Horner. Rumors have emerged that aero-genius Adrian Newey might be on the way out at the end of this year. Now, as per reports, Horner is trying to secure the team’s technical structure.

As per Soymotor, Christian Horner is making swift moves to safeguard the team in the event of Newey’s departure. Two key individuals, Technical Director Pierre Wache and Head of Aerodynamics Enrico Balbo are believed to be at the core of Red Bull’s plans.

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Wache, the ‘right-hand’ man of Adrian Newey is considered to have played a more important role in Red Bull’s success. Recently, Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel highlight Max Verstappen’s strong bond with Pierre Wache. On the other hand, Enrico Balbo is regarded as the man who has brought Newey’s ideas to reality.

Christian Horner has reportedly activated protocols to safeguard the technical leadership at Milton Keynes. This would prevent Wache and Balbo from defecting to rival teams. Red Bull needs its key figures for the onset of the new regulations in 2026 when the Austrian giant would run its own power units.

Red Bull Ford Powertrains rumored to be behind expectations

Red Bull decided to build its own power units for the 2026 regulations. The energy drinks giant invested millions into new infrastructure and brought in American carmaker Ford for the project. Red Bull Ford Powertrains will play a fundamental role in Max Verstappen’s intentions to stay for the future.

Red Bull Ford Powertrains HQ (image via Autosport)
Red Bull Ford Powertrains HQ (image via Autosport)

Tom Coronel claimed Christian Horner’s squad was rumored to be far behind its goals for its 2026 power trains. Moreover, the Dutch racing driver reckoned that Red Bull was struggling to get power out of the engine. So much so, that Coronel believed that the Austrian might even fail to make a competitive engine for F1’s new era.

There are rumors that the power unit is severely behind, that they can't get any power out of it, and that they [Red Bull] just aren't going to get it done.
Tom Coronel told RacingNews365

Certainly, Red Bull has found itself in a tough spot before the start of the new rules. Christian Horner would need to make some major decisions in the coming months to ensure that Milton Keynes remains a top contender. Fans would be looking forward to seeing if Horner could save the Austrian team from further collapse.

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