Horner confident in Newey and Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull

Newey's Red Bull Tenure Continues

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has put to rest any doubts about chief technical officer Adrian Newey's future with the team.

Amid rumors that Newey's contract was up for renewal, Horner told Sky Sports News that the Formula 1 genius will remain a part of the team "for many years to come."

Known for his design prowess, Newey has been instrumental in crafting championship-winning cars and securing back-to-back world titles for Max Verstappen.

In response to the speculation, Horner stated, "We don't talk about contracts or longevity of contracts, but he'll be here for many years to come."

"There's always going to be rumours in this paddock, that's Formula 1."

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Newey's illustrious career in Formula 1 has seen him contribute to championship-winning cars at Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.

Apart from his success in F1, Newey has also participated in other Red Bull projects, such as the company's America's Cup sailing outfit.

Horner emphasized Newey's importance to the team, saying, "He's such an important part of our team and popular part of our team."

"It's great to have him with us for the long term, but also to be involved in some of the things we're now getting involved in."

Verstappen's Future in Formula 1

In addition to discussing Newey's future, Horner touched on the topic of reigning world champion Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career.

The Dutch driver's future has been subject to speculation following recent comments about 'quitting' the sport and the possibility of not racing beyond the end of his current Red Bull contract in 2028.

Horner doesn't see Verstappen following in Fernando Alonso's footsteps by racing into his 40s, but he is confident the passionate driver will remain committed to Red Bull and Formula 1 for the foreseeable future:

"If he's not racing on track at the moment, he's racing in the virtual world, he's driving GT cars for fun, and his passion is just driving and racing, and while that burns within him, he's going to keep going."

Despite Verstappen's strong start to the 2023 season, winning two out of the first three races, he has expressed concerns about the sport's grueling 24-race calendar.

Horner acknowledges the demands on drivers and team members alike, stating, "It's tough for the drivers, it's tougher for the mechanics that are travelling at the beginning of the week and returning on a Monday after an event."

"It is a brutal calendar and it does take its toll at some point."