In a bid to quash the swirling rumours, Red Bull Racing Technical Director Pierre Wache has firmly stated his continued dedication to the team, despite speculation tying him to Ferrari.
During the Monaco Grand Prix, Wache confirmed to Crash.net his long-term commitment to Red Bull Racing. This statement follows the announcement of Adrian Newey’s departure from the team in early 2025, which had triggered concerns of a broader exodus of key staff. Nevertheless, sources close to Crash.net affirm that Red Bull has managed to secure long-term contracts with several senior figures, mitigating these fears.
Adrian Newey, the influential car designer behind Red Bull’s numerous championship victories, will step down by spring 2025. His decision has stirred considerable unease within the team, particularly for motorsport director Dr. Helmut Marko. Marko praised Newey’s exceptional skills and influence, stating, ‘He wasn’t always directly involved in day-to-day operations, but he mastered the complex aerodynamics and mechanical grip of the entire car.’
Newey’s departure signifies a major transition for Red Bull, although he will continue to contribute to the team by leading the final development stages of the RB17 hypercar. This new role allows Red Bull to better navigate financial constraints and reallocate resources while still benefiting from Newey’s exceptional expertise. Newey is optimistic about this new challenge and views it as an opportunity to further his legacy through pioneering projects that could indirectly benefit Red Bull Racing, especially in technological advancements.
Meanwhile, Pierre Wache has been the subject of considerable speculation, with Ferrari rumored to have tried to lure him away. Wache, however, has emphasized his commitment to Red Bull, focusing on future challenges like securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025, and preparing for new regulations in 2026. ‘I am 100% committed to Red Bull,’ Wache told Crash.net. ‘The coming seasons present an exciting opportunity to continue our success and innovate with the new regulations.’
Wache, motivated by the task of developing Red Bull’s first in-house power unit for the new engine regulations, signed his new contract before the 2024 season began. Red Bull’s unique ‘no blame culture’ is also a key reason for his decision to stay. ‘The culture here is special,’ he said. ‘It’s a place where we are always pushing the boundaries and never resting on our laurels.’ This philosophy of constant improvement resonates deeply with Wache.
Looking ahead, Wache aims to mentor the next generation of technical talent at Red Bull, ensuring the team’s future success. ‘I’m not getting any younger,’ he joked, highlighting the importance of succession planning. Alongside Wache, key personnel like Chief F1 Engineer Paul Monaghan, Head of Aerodynamics Enrico Balbo, and Head of Performance Engineering Ben Waterhouse have also signed long-term contracts. This is part of Red Bull’s strategy to maintain continuity and stability within its technical operations as the sport evolves.
Red Bull Racing appears focused on a bright future, bolstered by the dedication of its senior technical staff and the innovative challenges ahead. Wache’s affirmation of his loyalty, combined with the team’s retention of other key figures, positions Red Bull to uphold its Formula One dominance and tackle forthcoming regulatory changes.
Pierre Wache’s steadfast commitment, paired with Red Bull’s strategy to secure long-term contracts with essential team members, ensures a stable and promising future for the team amidst significant changes.
