I told Newey I wanted him to stay – Verstappen

Max Verstappen said he understood Adrian Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull but told him he wanted him to stay.

The three-times world champion has achieved all his F1 victories in cars designed by Newey. However Red Bull announced yesterday he will leave them early next year.

“I would have preferred, of course, Adrian to stay,” Verstappen told Sky. “And that’s what I also said to Adrian.”

However Verstappen said Newey is right to put himself first in his decision. “You have to do what you think is best for yourself because at the end of day F1 is a bit of a shark tank and I think it’s very important that you do think about yourself, that you make the right decision for yourself and your family.

“So I also don’t blame him. If someone wants to leave, you go and pursue other goals or things in life. So that’s absolutely fine.”

Verstappen has a long-term contract with Red Bull to remain at the team until 2028. However the departure of Newey will cast doubt on how competitive the team will be in the future, particularly after new technical regulations arrive in 2026.

He said he will have no reason to leave the team as long as he remains happy with the performance of their car and the environment at Red Bull.

“At the end of the day it’s not about money for me,” he said. “I’m already very happy, of course, about what I’m having at the team.

“At the end of the day it’s really important about having the quickest car and of course, a good environment, and that’s what we have currently and that’s also what I ask for. As long as the environment is right and we have the quickest car then it’s quite straightforward.”

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