Newey responds to Horner’s memoir criticism

Adrian Newey has responded to criticism from Christian Horner, his former Red Bull colleague, in Horner’s new autobiography, Drive. The two spent nearly 20 years together at Red Bull, where Newey led the technical department. Newey was asked to explain his side at the United States Grand Prix press conference.

Red Bull partnership history

Horner’s book, released on 22 October, accused Newey of wanting to abandon the team at the first sign of adversity and said Newey’s move to Aston Martin left Horner blindsided. Newey said he had not read the book, but he was responding to the account put to him. He denied the implication that their friendship had ended.

During the press conference Newey focused on the 2014 season, when Red Bull’s Renault power unit struggled. He said that a bad year for a supplier is normal and must be accepted. But if the supplier shows no intention to fix the problems, that is a different situation. Newey noted the issue did not improve until the team switched to Honda in 2019.

Newey also highlighted the personal bond that remains between him and Horner. He said he is the godfather to Horner’s daughter, Olivia, and that they are still friends. He declined to comment on the rest of the memoir.

Newey clarified his frustrations while saying the friendship remains intact. The exchange shows the lingering tension from Red Bull’s Renault era, which carries into his current role at Aston Martin.