Christian Horner Hijacks Live F1 Interview with A…read more
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner took a cheeky swipe at his former colleague Adrian Newey during a live Sky Sports F1 broadcast, calling the legendary designer a “giant bogey” as Newey made his first public appearance in Aston Martin attire at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
The comment, delivered with a mix of humor and thinly veiled tension, came during Friday practice at the prestigious Monte Carlo circuit. Horner, known for his sharp wit and competitive spirit, remarked, “It’s great to see, I haven’t seen him in green yet—he looks like a giant bogey,” sending the Sky Sports team into fits of laughter. While clearly intended as a joke, the remark added fuel to the ongoing speculation about lingering friction between the two former colleagues.
Adrian Newey, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 car designers of all time, left Red Bull Racing in 2024 after an extraordinary 18-year tenure. During that period, he played a pivotal role in securing eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles for the Milton Keynes-based team. His technical genius helped Red Bull rise to dominance, most recently overseeing the design of their title-winning cars driven by Max Verstappen.
Newey’s departure marked a significant shift in Red Bull’s technical leadership, and his next career move stirred anticipation across the paddock. In March 2025, it was confirmed that he had joined Aston Martin, the Silverstone-based team seeking to transform into a championship-contending outfit. The Monaco Grand Prix weekend is the first time Newey has been seen representing Aston Martin at a race event, making Horner’s remarks even more pointed.
While Horner attempted to mask his comment as light-hearted banter, it is difficult to ignore the underlying tension that might exist following Newey’s exit. The timing of his departure could not have been more sensitive for Red Bull. It coincided with internal upheaval at the team, including the exits of other senior figures and a period of performance decline. Since the start of the 2025 season, Red Bull has appeared to lose its dominance, with McLaren and Mercedes making significant gains.
Moreover, Horner was recently the subject of an internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. Though he was ultimately cleared of the accusations, even after an appeal, the situation created a cloud of controversy around the team. Some observers believe that the combination of leadership turbulence and the departure of key personnel like Newey has contributed to Red Bull’s struggles on track.
Despite the challenges, Red Bull remains in contention thanks largely to Max Verstappen’s brilliance behind the wheel. The Dutchman has continued to extract impressive performances from the car, helping the team stay competitive in the drivers’ standings. However, questions remain about the long-term impact of Newey’s exit and whether Red Bull can maintain its technical edge without his visionary leadership.
As for Newey, his arrival at Aston Martin signals a new chapter in his storied career. With the team investing heavily in infrastructure and talent, including the recent opening of their state-of-the-art facility, Newey’s experience and innovation could be the catalyst Aston Martin needs to challenge for titles in the coming years.
While the Monaco Grand Prix weekend may have started with light-hearted jabs, the real story could unfold in the months ahead, as the sport watches whether Newey can work his magic once again—this time in green—and whether Red Bull can survive, and thrive, without the man who helped build their dynasty.
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