- Horner was recently investigated after accusations of ‘coercive behavior’
- He could lose his key man, Adrian Newey, to rival Ferrari in the near future.
- Red Bull’s future unclear even though Horner cleared of charges
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Christian Horner’s right-hand man Adrian Newey is in advanced talks to join Ferrari, according to a report.
Technical director Newey played a vital role in designing the Red Bull cars that have brought so much success over the years, including winning the last three world championships with Max Verstappen.
He has been dubbed the ‘King of Aero’, helping the team become the dominant manufacturer on the track, with the current Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship leaders set to win two more world titles this year.
There has, however, been unrest within the team since the outcry over the Horner saga, in which he was investigated and later cleared after accusations of “coercive behavior” towards a female colleague, and still don’t know exactly what their future will look like.
According to PICTURENewey could be set to leave the team, with Ferrari looking increasingly likely to lure the 65-year-old to the red side.
Christian Horner (pictured) risks losing his right arm, said to be in talks with Ferarri
Discussions between the Prancing Horse and Adrian Newey (photo) would be advanced
Reports also suggest that Horner was keen to push Newey – nicknamed the ‘aero king’ – out of his team.
Horner – who earns £8million a year as team manager – was the subject of an internal investigation last month after accusations, which he denied throughout, were brought against him, before he was exonerated.
However, several messages allegedly between Horner and his accuser were later leaked via anonymous email, adding even more fury to the situation. The explosive email – which was sent to F1 figures – contained 79 documents, including hundreds of messages, many of a sexual nature.
The Red Bull chief, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, insisted he would stay in his job but the saga has overshadowed the start of the F1 season. Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull star driver Max, is among those who have called for Horner’s resignation, and it has also been reported that Horner actually tried to push him out of the team.
Newey, meanwhile, has expressed in the past his desire to work with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari before calling time on his career.
The opportunity now appears to have presented itself, with Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025 from Mercedes and Prancing Horse chief Fred Vasseur currently rebuilding the team.
A number of high-profile figures, including Max Verstappen’s father, have called for Horner to resign.
Lewis Hamilton, set to join Ferrari in 2025, says ‘anything is possible’ over Newey’s future
Hamilton, meanwhile, spoke about Newey ahead of last weekend’s Saudi Grand Prix.
“I think my move has shown that anything is possible and the next six months are going to be really interesting,” he said. “As for Adrian, having worked within the (Red Bull) team, I know Adrian obviously gets all the praise for everyone’s work.