Dan Fallows’ move to Aston Martin, Rob Marshall’s switch to McLaren, and now Adrian Newey’s gradual departure have all negatively impacted the team’s performance, according to the Dutchman.
For over a year, I’ve heard people say Pierre Wache is the key figure and that Adrian is insignificant, Albers told De Telegraaf.
The reality is that, following a dominant start to the 2024 season, news of Newey’s departure coincided with a decline in the car’s performance.
Albers believes two factors are at play. “Newey provides a certain philosophy, direction, and effective leadership. Additionally, Rob Marshall’s departure may have had an even greater impact.
It’s clear that the team’s performance is no longer as strong, the former Minardi driver added.
They had high expectations for that update, but it might just take some time. The reality is that the team’s dominance has waned since those two men left.
Albers also attributes the current situation to poor team management, such as the premature re-signing of Sergio Perez for 2025 and 2026.
I’m sorry to say, but I think Christian Horner acted too quickly to create stability within the team. It was a reckless decision to sign Perez while he was in his worst form ever.
Horner does everything to please Verstappen, regardless of whether Max is actually concerned about it.
Albers is also critical of Dr. Helmut Marko’s newly revised Red Bull contract, which reportedly removes the clause allowing Max Verstappen to leave if Marko departs prematurely.
They spent a lot of money to create peace, Albers said bluntly. If that clause is truly gone, Max’s contract will be valid until 2028, unless he’s unhappy with the car’s performance.