Helmut Marko believes Adrian Newey’s Red Bull exit was largely influenced by Dietrich Mateschitz’s death which led to several changes on the team’s dynamics.
Mateschitz, the co-founder of Red Bull and a pivotal figure in the world of motorsport, passed away in October 2022, leaving a huge void in the organization he helped build. His charismatic leadership and unwavering passion for Formula 1 were instrumental in establishing Red Bull as a dominant force in the sport.
Following his demise, many have speculated that the subsequent changes within the team may have contributed to Adrian Newey’s Red Bull exit after nearly two decades with the energy drinks manufacturer.
Newey’s departure to Aston Martin marks a significant turning point not only for him but also for Red Bull Racing. Known as one of the most brilliant minds in F1 engineering, the Brit’s designs have been pivotal in securing numerous championships for the reigning world champions.
Red Bull’s chief advisor Helmut Marko has publicly suggested that Dietrich Mateschitz’s death played a crucial role in Newey’s departure. According to Marko, Mateschitz was not just a leader but a visionary who made swift decisions that propelled the team forward.
After his death, the organizational structure at Red Bull shifted significantly, lacking the unique leadership qualities that Mateschitz embodied. This transition left many within the team feeling unsettled, including Newey, who reportedly struggled to adapt to the new leadership under Oliver Mintzlaff.
“There was a certain change with the death of Dietrich Mateschitz,” Marko explained. “He was in fact the only leader. He made quick decisions. He was a charismatic entrepreneur who had a vision and was prepared to take risks.
“After his death, everything in the company had to be reorganised, because you cannot just replace a single figure with such a personality with just one person.
“I think that the changes in the team were also due to this, and especially in the case of Newey, I think that is why Adrian decided to look for a new challenge.”
Marko also indicated that Adrian Newey’s Red Bull exit was triggered by his quest for new challenges and opportunities that align more closely with his vision for racing following the upheaval within Red Bull.
Allegations against Team Principal Christian Horner regarding inappropriate behavior towards an employee have further complicated matters.
Although Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation, the fallout from these allegations contributed to a power struggle within the team that may have influenced Newey’s decision to leave.
“Let’s put it this way – the situation with Horner certainly didn’t help,” the 81-year-old admitted. “But internally we sat down together and said that we have to join forces, work together in all areas to win this world championship and also have a winning car for the future.”
The atmosphere at Red Bull has been further complicated by internal strife and performance issues. Reports have emerged suggesting discontent among various team members, including star driver Max Verstappen.
The team’s performance has dipped significantly this season, with Red Bull currently trailing McLaren by 41 points despite an initially strong start. This decline has raised questions about morale and cohesion within the team, exacerbating concerns following Dietrich Mateschitz’s death.
In addition to Adrian Newey’s Red Bull exit, other key figures at Milton Keynes have also announced their exits. Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley is set to join Audi as their new team principal, while several engineers and mechanics have sought opportunities elsewhere.
This exodus has prompted speculation about a broader trend of talent migration from Red Bull as rival teams capitalize on perceived instability within the organization.
Marko has acknowledged that winning breeds competition for talent; however, he expressed surprise at the financial offers being extended to former Red Bull employees by rival teams. The competitive landscape of Formula 1 has intensified, with teams willing to offer lucrative contracts to attract top talent.
“When you win, and we have won a lot in the last three years, it is normal that your employees are coveted by other teams,” Marko said. “That is the normal game in Formula 1.
“What surprised me a bit are the amounts that are offered. We are always struggling with the budget cap, but these people are often being offered double. That means we couldn’t keep some of them.
“Newey was with us for 17 years, Wheatley for 19. They were part of the team, part of the group and part of the club. They were a big part of our success.
“That hurts, but whether they leave for financial reasons or career reasons, it makes no difference if we cannot offer the same.”
As Red Bull grapples with maintaining its status as a championship contender amidst these challenges, it faces an uphill battle in retaining its key personnel.
