Christian Horner says Adrian Newey departure not reason behind Red Bull collapse
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Christian Horner has insisted Adrian Newey’s shock departure is not the reason behind Red Bull’s sudden collapse – after Max Verstappen claimed he is now powerless to stop McLaren’s Lando Norris from winning the world championship. Verstappen accused Red Bull of turning the car that last year carried him to a third successive title into a monster following Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix. Verstappen is now on a streak of six grands prix without a victory, while Red Bull have claimed just three wins since Newey – the British mastermind behind Verstappen’s recent dominance – announced he was leaving ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 5. Adrian Newey pictured with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner “Formula One is a team sport, it’s a team issue, and the team will come up with a resolution.” Verstappen raced to seven victories from the opening 10 rounds, but Norris and McLaren are ready to strike with Red Bull’s struggles leading the 26-year-old Dutchman to say it is not realistic he will defend his title.