Ralf Schumacher assumes that Adrian Newey's separation is the beginning of the end of Red Bull's great era of success Formula 1 en: “Red Bull will now disappear into mediocrity in a short period of time,” said the expert in an interview with Sky a few hours after Newey's official announcement.

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Schumacher believes that after Newey “even more people will leave” and leave Red Bull. This is “an open secret.” And, in his opinion, it is clear who is responsible for this: “Actually, Christian Horner assumes that he does not need these people around him.”

Schumacher: “It is no longer the team spirit that Didi Mateschitz wanted”

Horner believes he has “a better idea” of “what Formula 1 or its team should be like, and he also has all the support, especially from Thailand.” And they have the majority stake in the whole thing. That's why it's like this now,” alludes to the axis between Horner and Chalerm Yoovidhya, the strong man of the Red Bull Group since the death of Dietrich Mateschitz.

“This is no longer the team spirit that Didi Mateschitz wanted. What is happening now is truly a shame. It's sad that the team is falling apart like this. Thanks to a person who was basically an employee and to whom Didi Mateschitz gave a great opportunity at that time. That's pretty incredible. It's hard to put it into words.”

“Max Verstappen will leave the team”

Since the beginning of the “Horner affair”, Schumacher always found clear words and harshly criticized the Red Bull team boss. He is one of those in the paddock who shows no understanding of Horner's attachment to his work.

Weeks ago, Schumacher said in a video on YoutubeThe Formula1.de channel explains that, in its opinion, Horner should resign.

But that was not the case and that is how things continue. After Newey, Max Verstappen could be the next superstar to look for another job: “Max Verstappen will leave the team. “Plus other good engineers who are guaranteed to go elsewhere, including Adrian Newey,” Schumacher suspects.

Schumacher waits for Newey in Ferrari

He assumes that Verstappen “has other options” despite his contract until 2028. It is well known that Mercedes is courting the Dutchman. For Schumacher, the question is no longer if, but when: “Will it happen next year or the year after that? But I am clear that he will leave Red Bull.”

As for Newey, Schumacher hopes that the star designer ferrari will change, because: “It was no coincidence that he was free at the beginning of 2025. I think even Oliver Mintzlaff negotiated that this was possible. Of course also out of respect for what we have achieved together. […] “I think in 2026 there will be a Ferrari designed by Adrian Newey.”

By Christian Nimmervoll