Marko: Overall Newey 'package' still essential at Red Bull

Helmut Marko says Red Bull can rely on a broad range of engineering talent, but the team's chief technical officer Adrian Newey remains an "essential" component of its design office at Milton Keynes.

Red Bull's fierce title battle with rival Mercedes as compelled the former to develop its Honda- powered RB16B as far as possible into the 2021 season without jeopardizing its all-new 2022 contender.

As Red Bull's chief architect, Adrian Newey has divided his attention to both designs proportionally this year, only interrupted in his work by a bicycle crash suffered in Croatia last summer that sidelined him for several weeks.

But the legendary 62-year-old engineer remains the "figurehead" of Red Bull's design department.

"Yes, but thank god we have a very broad organization," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. "Newey was out for a while due to his bicycle accident.

"You need to know that Newey is a racer. When he sees a chance that we can win, the motivation is completely different than when you have an engine that is 30 hbp behind.

"There is no one who has that much experience, who has won so many world titles. The overall Newey package is still essential.

"For the other engineers also, be it in the aerodynamics or other departments, Newey is a figurehead."

• Read also: Red Bull suspects Mercedes has reined in 'abnormal' top speed

Marko revealed that although Newey was constrained to his home for several weeks following his bike crash, he nevertheless "drew things on paper" that kept coming in.

The Austrian also provided an update on Red Bull Powertrains in terms of its recruitment drive, expecting its new engine department to be up and running at some point next spring.

"We have a very good base in terms of structure," he said. "But there are still one or two positions missing. We not only brought people from Mercedes, but also from others."

Honda will officially depart F1 at the end of the 2021 season, but its engines will continue to power Red Bull's cars next year and likely beyond.

"We have concluded an agreement by which we will receive services from Honda for a fee," explained Marko. "That's the status. In 2022 we will get all of the engines from Honda."

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