Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen thinks it’s unlikely Adrian Newey’s departure from Crimson Bull has impacted the workforce’s on-track efficiency in 2024.
Forward of the Miami Grand Prix, Crimson Bull introduced Newey will formally go away the workforce within the first quarter of 2025.
Coincidentally since then, Crimson Bull have been caught within the growth race, with their spot on the prime of the constructors’ championship underneath menace.
McLaren sit 30 factors behind Crimson Bull with 9 rounds to go – and have momentum on their aspect.
Crimson Bull have struggled with their upgrades in 2024, reverting again to an older specification of ground to search out solutions on the final race at Zandvoort.
Talking to media on the Italian Grand Prix, the place Crash.web are current, Verstappen was requested if Crimson Bull’s poor type is linked to Newey’s departure.
He replied: “Usually not. It’s simply, because it was introduced that he was leaving, it’s been harder. But it surely shouldn’t matter if somebody is, let’s say, leaving on the spot, that instantly the efficiency drops.
“As a result of the automobile has at all times been the identical. So, yeah, usually not.”
Verstappen has revealed that there’s not been a lot contact with Newey in “the previous few weeks” after his workplace within the Crimson Bull manufacturing facility was moved.
“I imply, the previous few weeks, not a lot,” he added. “In fact, he has moved workplace as nicely, on the manufacturing facility.
“However every time I do see him – I imply, we have now a superb relationship, that is by no means been an issue.”
Verstappen additionally admitted it might be “unfair” to ask him in regards to the automobile given his change in place with the workforce forward of his departure subsequent yr.
“No. And I believe it might even be a bit unfair, to do this,” he defined.
Verstappen is 70 factors forward of Lando Norris within the drivers’ championship.
Regardless of ending over 20 seconds behind the McLaren driver, Crimson Bull are anticipated to fare higher at Monza this weekend.
