Is Adrian Newey’s exit the reason for Red Bull’s Monaco struggles?

Moreover, the team is uncertain if it can truly put up a fight for pole position in Qualifying. As Milton Keynes struggles to find the perfect set-up for the RB20. This pegs the question, Is Adrian Newey‘s exit the reason for Red Bull’s Monaco struggles?

Adrian Newey’s impact not directly related to Monaco struggles

Newey is regarded as the technical mastermind in Red Bull’s F1 success. However, it must be noted that the 65-year-old had taken a step back from day-to-day operations in recent years. During this period, Technical Director Pierre Wache became the main person working on the car full-time. Nevertheless, Adrian Newey’s role remained significant at Milton Keynes.

Red Bull’s problems in Monaco can be seen as result of rivals closing up the gap with Milton Keynes. Christian Horner termed this to be inevitable. As such, one could argue that even if Newey was part of Red Bull’s F1 operations, things would’ve stayed the same. Although, the Austrian team struggled to make its Imola upgrades work which were implemented without Adrian Newey’s availabity.

Nevertheless, the upgrades were long-time in the making and as such would’ve had the Briton’s influence. Moreover, in recent weeks McLaren had been coming close to match Red Bull. Similarly, the reigning world champions did not lose their mark in Monaco simply because of a lack of guidance from Adrian Newey. Rather, the RB20 seems to not be in the right step-up for the challenging track.

Certainly, fans would argue that Newey’s absence is the reason for Red Bull’s struggles. However, time and time again, Red Bull has emphasized that its success was not down to just one person. F1 is a team effort and the Austrian team can find its way back to the front without the help of Adrian Newey, albeit it would be more difficult. Milton Keynes is now in a new era where the technical team can no longer rely on the aero genius’ feedback.