Newey Considers If ‘Lack of Experience’ at Red Bull Contributed to Recent Car Struggles
Adrian Newey, the renowned chief technical officer at Red Bull Racing, has recently reflected on whether the team’s recent struggles with car performance could be attributed to a “lack of experience” within the team.
Red Bull, which has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, has faced unexpected setbacks, particularly in their car’s performance on certain circuits during the 2024 season.
As the technical mind behind many of the team’s successes, Newey’s perspective offers insight into the challenges Red Bull faces in maintaining their edge.
Red Bull Racing’s success in Formula 1 is deeply tied to their innovative engineering and their ability to design cars that can adapt to the ever-changing technical regulations. In recent seasons, particularly 2023, the team enjoyed unparalleled success, with Max Verstappen securing multiple race victories and championships.
However, 2024 has proven more challenging, with certain tracks revealing weaknesses in the car’s setup and performance, prompting questions about whether the team’s rapid rise has led to some growing pains.
Newey acknowledged that Formula 1 is a sport where experience plays a crucial role, not just in designing fast cars but in understanding how to adapt them across a wide variety of tracks, conditions, and regulations.
While Red Bull has undoubtedly developed one of the most dominant machines in recent years, Newey suggested that a lack of experience in dealing with certain unexpected changes in the car’s balance and setup might be playing a part in their recent struggles.
A crucial point raised by Newey is the shift in technical leadership and changes within the team. While Red Bull has retained some of its key engineers, there have been inevitable transitions within the ranks.
Newey pointed out that adjusting to these changes, coupled with the evolving regulatory environment, requires a great deal of adaptability—something that takes time and experience. For a team accustomed to winning, even small missteps can have significant consequences.
Despite these challenges, Newey remains optimistic about the team’s ability to regain their performance. He stressed that Red Bull’s technical depth and ability to innovate remain strong, and the issues they have faced are not insurmountable.
However, the struggles of 2024 serve as a reminder that even the most dominant teams must continuously learn, adapt, and evolve in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
As Red Bull works to resolve their car’s issues, Newey’s reflections on experience highlight the ever-present challenge of balancing innovation with consistency—a challenge all F1 teams must face.