More stories

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton tells Adrian Newey to join him at Ferrari as he rubs salt in the wounds of F1 rival Verstappen & Red Bull

    LEWIS HAMILTON says he would “very much” like to have Adrian Newey join him at Ferrari.Newey, F1’s most successful designer, announced he was leaving Red Bull Racing on Wednesday.Lewis Hamilton said it would be a privilege to work with Adrian Newey at FerrariCredit: RexNewey announced his Red Bull departure yesterday and has been heavily linked with FerrariCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has negotiated an early exit from this deal with the world champions that would allow him to move early next year.It would free him up to join Hamilton at Ferrari for next season in preparation for a major new rule change in F1 in 2026.Hamilton was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Miami GP about working with Newey and said: “Adrian has such a great history and track record.”He’s done an amazing job through his career, engaging with teams and the knowledge he has. I think he would be an amazing addition.READ MORE IN F1″I think they [Ferrari] already have a great team, making huge strides forward and progress. Their car is quicker this year. But it would be a privilege to work with him.”Hamilton was grilled if an attempt to sign Newey was part of his wishlist when he started negotiating with Ferrari.He added: “This is all private conversation stuff. If I was to do a list of people I would love to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it.”When I joined McLaren I think it was an evolution of his car. I got there just after he left, so that car would have evolved from a concept that he had worked on.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I felt privileged that I had the chance to touch something that he had worked on.”Racing against the team that he’s been so heavily a part of has been a massive challenge but I think we have to remember there are a lot of people in the background.Formula One’s Highest Earners”It’s not one person, it’s a whole team of people who do the job. You can imagine all the amazing experience that he brings to the team, but the people that he works with will continue to do an amazing job.”I don’t anticipate Red Bull not continuing to build great cars moving forward. But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.”Max Verstappen, who has been the main beneficiary of Newey’s designs in recent seasons, insisted the designer’s exit will not force him to quit Red Bull despite being linked with a move to Mercedes.He said: “All of these things, a couple of years ago, would have been a bit unexpected but I think it is always very important to remain calm and focused on your job, know who you’re working with, feel comfortable.Max Verstappen also opened up on his Red Bull future following Newey’s exitCredit: Reuters”At the end of the day, we need to have the fastest car, that’s what I always demanded, that’s what we finally got for a couple of years now.”And we have a very strong technical team that are part of the team still for a long time. It goes on like it was going before.”Of course Adrian from when he started at Red Bull, he was incredibly important for the success that they had.”Over time, his role has changed a bit and a lot of people don’t understand what he was actually doing.Who is Adrian Newey?
    Adrian Newey was the design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

    “I don’t say he wasn’t doing anything but his role has evolved. A lot of good people came into the team that have strengthened that whole department.”Of course I would have preferred him to stay, for sure, because you can always rely on his experience and just as a person he is a great guy to chat to and relate to.”Because he is very bright, very smart but he would also talk to the driver and interpret that into the car, in terms of he would try to imagine himself driving.”But I also really trust that the technical team we have outside of Adrian is very, very strong. They have basically shown that with the last few years with how competitive the car is.But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.Lewis Hamilton”From the outside, it looks very dramatic. But I think if you know what is happening inside the team it is not as dramatic as it seems.”When asked again if he would consider his position in Red Bull, Verstappen again denied that he would be seeking a move.He added: “I think people are making up a lot of things at the moment because they don’t understand how the roles were in the team.”But of course, I cannot deny I would have preferred him to stay, just for how he is as a person, his knowledge and what he will potentially bring to another team if he wants to join.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    “If someone really wants to leave they should leave. That’s also what I wrote to him. We talk, it’s not like suddenly we don’t talk.”If you think that is the right decision for yourself and family, or you seek a different challenge or whatever, you have to do it.”Meanwhile, Sergio Perez says Red Bull will cope without Newey, but says he will be an asset to any team he joins.He said: “Everyone is fully committed to the season and the future looks bright.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is normal for some movement, but the organisation looks strong and I don’t expect more changes.”Adrian is much more than a designer, he can influence set-up and strategies and a strong guy who will make an immediate impact wherever he goes.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Christian Horner warned Red Bull ‘in danger of falling apart’ as F1 team rocked by yet another exit

    CHRISTIAN HONER has been warned that Red Bull are at risk of “falling apart” after the exit of Adrian Newey.This morning it was announced legendary designer Newey, who has won 12 Formula One constructors titles including six at Red Bull, would be leaving the team at the end of the season.Adrian Newey is leaving Red Bull at the end of the seasonCredit: PAHis exit from piles more pressure on team boss Christian HornerCredit: PAJos Verstappen has warned Red Bull are at risk of ‘falling apart’Credit: PAHis exit is credited to growing disillusioned with life in F1 following the power struggle that has raged at Red Bull this season after the Christian Horner sexting scandal.And the 65-year-old’s exit from the team after 19 years will serve to crank up the pressure on team boss Horner.Horner has denied the allegations and was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation. The complainant, who has subsequently been suspended, has appealed the decision. Jos Verstappen is one party who has been outspoken against Horner’s leadership this year, and was spotted engaging in a heated argument with Horner in Bahrain this year.READ MORE IN F1He has even gone so far as to suggest son and three-time world champion Max Verstappen could leave.SunSport revealed Mercedes are preparing to offer the Dutchman a contract worth £128million a year.A meeting between Verstappen’s team and Mercedes chiefs is set to commence after this weekends Miami Grand Prix.Speaking to De Telegraaf, Verstappen has now said he aired his fears about the team earlier this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “The team is in danger of falling apart. I was afraid of that earlier this year. “For internal peace, it is important that key people stay on board. That is not the case now. Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star says”Newey is leaving and earlier this year it also looked like Helmut [Marko] would be sent away. For the future, that is not good.”Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was placed under investigation by the team earlier this season, with Verstappen threatening to quit if Marko departed. On his exit from the team, Newey said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. “My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.”For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team.”However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.Who is Adrian Newey?
    Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

    “In the interim, the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”Newey has been heavily linked with moves to Aston Martin and Ferrari, though the Scuderia are the hot favourites to land him.This means he could link up with Lewis Hamilton to help build a title-winning car – which would be Ferrari’s first since 2008 – when the new 2026 regulations kick in.On Newey’s departure, Horner said: “All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller.”His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons.”His exceptional ability to conceptualise beyond F1 and bring wider inspiration to bear on the design of grand prix cars, his remarkable talent for embracing change and finding the most rewarding areas of the rules to focus on, and his relentless will to win have helped Red Bull Racing to become a greater force than I think even the late [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz might have imagined.”More than that, the past 19 years with Adrian have been enormous fun.”For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is also my friend and someone I will be eternally grateful to for everything he brought to our partnership.”The legacy he leaves behind will echo through the halls of Milton Keynes and RB17 Track Car will be a fitting testament and legacy to his time with us.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Top Red Bull Racing designer QUITS team piling more pressure on Christian Horner

    ADRIAN NEWEY will leave Red Bull Racing at the end of this year – cranking up the pressure on boss Christian Horner.Newey, who has grown disillusioned with life in F1, is the sport’s greatest car designer and says he is now seeking a new challenge.Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull Racing in 2025Credit: GettyNewey, 65, has been a key figure alongside Christian HornerCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Ferrari where he would join up with Lewis Hamilton next season.However, for the meantime he says he will see out the year with Red Bull while continuing to work on his hypercar project, the RB17, which launches in the summer.He said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.”For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team.READ MORE IN F1″However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”In the interim, the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”Newey is responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.However, insiders say he has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.Most read in MotorsportWho is Adrian Newey?

    Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

    In 2014 he was given permission by Red Bull Racing to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysNewey is said to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and how Horner and Red Bull Racing have been catapulted into the limelight.He has also seen the turbulence created within Red Bull Racing following the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague against Horner.Newey was not directly involved but worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he signed from McLaren.Newey’s departure, which was agreed late on Tuesday evening, will be a hammer blow to Horner, who has seen his position within the team come under the microscope.He is under huge pressure following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he had been cleared of, but now subjected to an appeal.Horner could also lose star driver Max Verstappen as part of the internal row that has ripped the team apart.His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasonsChristian HornerAnd he is due to face a barrage of questions at this week’s Miami GP.Horner said: “All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller.”His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons.”His exceptional ability to conceptualise beyond F1 and bring wider inspiration to bear on the design of grand prix cars, his remarkable talent for embracing change and finding the most rewarding areas of the rules to focus on, and his relentless will to win have helped Red Bull Racing to become a greater force than I think even the late [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz might have imagined.”More than that, the past 19 years with Adrian have been enormous fun.”For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is also my friend and someone I will be eternally grateful to for everything he brought to our partnership.”The legacy he leaves behind will echo through the halls of Milton Keynes and RB17 Track Car will be a fitting testament and legacy to his time with us.”Newey’s friendship with Horner goes back many yearsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Mercedes preparing world record £128MILLION-A-YEAR offer for Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton

    MERCEDES could break the bank with a record-breaking deal to sign F1 world champion Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Sources in Austria claim the F1 team are tabling a whopping £128MILLION-A-YEAR package to lure the three time world champion.Totto Wolf wants Max Verstappen at MercedesCredit: GettyThe Red Bull star could replace Ferrari-bound Lewis HamiltonCredit: SplashIt comes after Red Bull Racing were rocked by the news that design whizz Adrian Newey is stepping back from his role in the team.SunSport reported on Tuesday how Verstappen’s father Jos and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the Merc F1 team.That includes team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Verstappen camp have made it clear that they are assessing their options following their spectacular fallout with team boss Christian Horner.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt comes after an internal investigation where Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.Verstappen’s father said in Bahrain that Horner’s position in control of the team was ripping it apart.Horner responded that he would not stand in his driver’s way if he wanted to leave, despite having a contract worth over £40 million a year that runs until the end of 2028.It means that Mercedes however, could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff has made no secret of the fact that he would love to sign Verstappen and is close with the family and they both live in Monaco.He is desperate to return the team to winning ways but has so far failed to see them muster a challenge.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHowever, Wolff knows he faces a tough task in trying to convince the driver to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.Verstappen has seen Mercedes produce three duds in succession, leading somewhat to Hamilton’s decision to quit, while Red Bull have delivered him three title-winning cars.Consequently there is a high degree of risk in making the switch, which Mercedes are hoping to acknowledge with a substantial contract that comes loaded with bonuses.Verstappen meanwhile has tried to distance himself from the speculation linking him with Mercedes.However, he is likely to come in for some questioning about his future at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

  • in

    Christian Horner under more pressure with top Red Bull Racing designer poised to step down ahead of Miami GP

    ADRIAN NEWEY is poised to step down from his role with Red Bull Racing, with an announcement coming before this week’s Miami Grand Prix.The news will crank up the pressure on boss Christian Horner following allegations from a female employee.Adrian Newey looks set to step down from his role at Red BullCredit: PAIt comes following the Christian Horner sexting scandalCredit: GettyNewey is F1’s most-successful designer, responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.SunSport understands he will remain with the team until the end of the season before overseeing his hypercar project – the RB17 – produced at Red Bull Racing’s HQ.A limited run of 50 RB17s will be made, the 1250bhp hypercar will be produced at a rate of 15 per year with many already sold.It means he is unlikely to link up with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, despite paddock rumours that he could join the Italian team or Silverstone-based Aston Martin.READ MORE IN F1Newey, 65, has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.In 2014 Newey’s deal gave him scope to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Newey is believed to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and is also understood not to be a fan of the ‘Drive To Survive’ element, which has seen Red Bull and especially Horner, catapulted into the limelight.Most read in MotorsportHe has also become caught up in the turbulence within Red Bull Racing, whipped up within the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour against Horner. While Newey was not directly involved, he has worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he was persuaded to join Red Bull from McLaren.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysHorner has denied the allegations and was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation. The complainant, who has subsequently been suspended, has appealed the decision. The strain caused by the internal conflict – plus Horner’s comments in an interview where he said Newey’s technical role had changed – have not sat well with the designer.Horner referred to the “technical team under him [Newey], led by Pierre Wache, is doing a wonderful job so they are not dependent on Adrian” – a comment that has wrangled.Newey has also watched the team pulled apart by the battle for control between Red Bull’s Austria HQ and the majority shareholder in Thailand. Who is Adrian Newey
    Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

    It appears to have all got too much.News of his stepping down, which could come as early as Thursday, will of course be used as further ammunition to crank up the pressure on Horner.Max Verstappen’s father Jos, who claimed his son would be forced to leave the team if Horner remained in charge, is expected to be in Miami this week – his first race since making the threat that his son could walk.Sources in Germany say that Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Wolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

    SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
    Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
    Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
    Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
    Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
    Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
    Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

    On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Red Bull supremo set to QUIT F1 team over Christian Horner sexting scandal in huge blow with rivals ready to pounce

    RED BULL design chief Adrian Newey is set to leave the team following the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.The BBC have reported that Newey has informed Red Bull that he wants to move on after almost 20 years with the team.Adrian Newey is set to step down from Red BullCredit: GettyNewey’s exit is reportedly rooted from the controversy surrounding Christian HornerCredit: GettyNewey, 65, is said to be “unsettled” by the situation at Red Bull in the wake of Horner’s sexting scandal.And it is reported that his decision to call an end to his time with Red Bull can be traced back to the situation involving Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.The unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.READ MORE ON F1Newey’s seemingly forthcoming exit will reignite rumours around a switch to another major F1 team.The Brit, who has won 12 World Constructors’ titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and is understood to have previously received an offer from Aston Martin.Newey is under contract with Red Bull until 2025 but the BBC claim that he believes he can negotiate a deal that would see him work for another team from next season.It would be a huge blow for Red Bull to lose Newey who is regarded as one of the best designers in the history of F1.Most read in MotorsportWhile many consider the former McLaren designer as the brains behind the dominance and success that Red Bull have experienced over recent years.Red Bull have seen an internal power battle crop up following Horner’s controversy.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThere has been widespread concern over the future of Max Verstappen who is also said to be unnerved by the situation.Speaking at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend Verstappen discussed his desire to keep the chiefs at Red Bull in place and keep a “peaceful environment”.The star, who is contracted until 2028, said: “I signed a long deal with team.”The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. “I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave.”Who is Adrian Newey?
    Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1. More

  • in

    F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

    FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

    “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More