With the departure of Adrian Newey, the onus is on Technical Director Pierre Waché to ensure Red Bull retains its championship lead. The brilliant designer will no longer be available to the Frenchman after 2024. With the new 2026 regulations on the horizon, Waché has his work cut out for him – leading three title-worthy projects is easier said than done.
Pierre Waché was asked about the technical side of Red Bull after the Grand Prix of Monaco. How does the reigning champion plan to take the lead without Adrian Newey’s designs? “The team is now focused on maximizing our performance,” the Frenchman told Formula1.com. “With the current car, 2025, and 2026, we have three cars to work on. Add to that the fact that the 2026 regulations will bring about significant changes.”
Challenges Ahead for Red Bull
The Technical Director warned that 2026 brings a lot of challenges. Red Bull is not only losing Newey, but will also have to rely on its own engines, which it is developing in partnership with Ford.
“The more you think about it, the more problems you can expect,” continued Pierre Waché. “We can only start focusing on aerodynamics early next year. The engine is the biggest challenge, but it looks promising so far. The most important thing is that we can maintain a balance between these different projects.” With the budget cap, there is little room for error even for a team like Red Bull.
Looking Forward
As Red Bull gears up for the future, the team’s focus is on balancing multiple projects and overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. With the departure of a key designer and the introduction of new regulations, the road to 2026 promises to be an exciting journey.
