Horner pays tribute to Newey, a ‘true legend’ and friend

©RedBull

Red Bull team principal Christian paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary designer Adrian Newey who will be departing the team at the end of the season.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit confirmed on Wednesday Newey’s exit although the Briton will continue to attend selected races until the end of the current F1 season.

Newey will also remain involved in Red Bull’s RB17 Hypercar project until it is unveiling in July 2024.

Horner highlighted Newey's immense contributions, crediting him with Red Bull's 13 titles- including six F1 Constructors’ Championships – in 20 seasons.

He praises the celebrated designer's visionary genius, adaptability, and unwavering pursuit of victory, qualities that have propelled Red Bull to unimaginable heights.

Read also: Red Bull confirms Newey's exit, maintains ties for 2024 races

“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,” commented Horner.

“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 Dietrich Mateschitz might have imagined.”

©RedBull

Beyond professional admiration, Horner expressed deep gratitude for their personal bond, recognizing Newey as a true friend and a permanent fixture in Red Bull's illustrious history.

“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,” he added.

“Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend. 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.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.