Zak Brown Bombshells: Red Bull a ‘Pretty Toxic’ Cesspool, Braces for Exodus After Adrian Newey’s Seismic Exit –
Toxic Atmosphere at Red Bull?
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has ignited a firestorm by labeling Red Bull’s work environment as “pretty toxic.” His bold statement comes on the heels of Adrian Newey’s announcement to leave the team in early 2025. Brown predicts this high-profile departure will be the first of many, citing an influx of resumes from Red Bull employees circulating within the paddock.
“Red Bull is a pretty toxic environment right now,” Brown stated. “There is more to come.” His comments echo those of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who also acknowledged receiving numerous CVs from Red Bull personnel.
Zak Brown says Red Bull has ‘a pretty toxic environment’
“Red Bull is a pretty toxic environment right now. There is more to come.
“Newey’s departure is an important one, because I think a lot of people at Red Bull started working with him. I already mentioned that there were… pic.twitter.com/hFmTVU830s
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 11, 2024
Newey’s Exit: A Harbinger of Change?
Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s chief technical officer and the mastermind behind their sustained dominance, revealed his decision to part ways with the team after over a decade of service. While Newey cited a desire for new challenges as the primary reason, rumors swirl about a potential connection to the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner earlier this year.
“The departure of a figurehead like Adrian Newey is a seismic event for any team, let alone one as successful as Red Bull,” says motorsport analyst Mark Hughes. “His exit could signal a shift in the team’s dynamics, potentially paving the way for others to follow suit.”
Verstappen’s Future in Flux
As Red Bull grapples with internal turmoil, the future of their star driver, Max Verstappen, remains uncertain. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen has been courted by Mercedes as a potential replacement for the legendary Lewis Hamilton.
“You have the whole Verstappen drama. Is he staying or is he leaving? Max has a contract, only his father is pretty outspoken,” Brown remarked, alluding to the tensions surrounding the Dutch driver’s long-term commitment.
Ripple Effect on Sponsorships
Brown also warned of potential repercussions for Red Bull’s sponsorship deals, suggesting that partners might reevaluate their associations with the team amid the ongoing controversies.
“I also think that in the future it will be more difficult with sponsors, because they are going to examine carefully what they are associated with. That’s a tricky situation,” he cautioned.
Shifting Power Dynamics in F1
While acknowledging Red Bull’s continued status as an “incredible team,” Brown believes the balance of power in Formula 1 might be shifting. He cited Ferrari and McLaren as having “the best path of visibility and momentum right now,” potentially capitalizing on Red Bull’s perceived destabilization.
However, Brown also acknowledged the fluid nature of the sport, stating, “Things can change quickly though, so we have to keep both feet on the ground.”
As the drama unfolds, the paddock awaits further developments, with Brown’s explosive comments igniting speculation about the future of one of F1’s most successful and controversial teams.
