BREAKING: Red Bull is thinking of banning Adrian Newey, which might be a major blow for Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen is confronting a potential setback as Red Bull reportedly contemplates the option of prohibiting Chief Technology Officer Adrian Newey from participating in their Formula 1 setup. This decision is prompted by the pressure on F1 teams to adhere to efficient spending due to the cost cap. The cost cap, introduced ahead of the 2021 season, set spending limits at £114 million that year, £110 million in 2022, and £106 million in the previous year.

As per reports from Auto, Motor und Sport, Red Bull is considering transferring Newey to focus entirely on the RB17 hypercar project in the medium term. This strategic move aims to remove his salary from the F1 budget, thereby creating budgetary space. The current plan could potentially free up one of the three high-earning positions outside the budget cap for someone else.

Presently, Newey is involved partly with the Red Bull F1 team. However, F1 regulations stipulate that his salary must be fully accounted for if he has any role in the sport. If Newey transitions to the RB17 project full-time, he would effectively be restricted from contributing to F1 machines. Under Newey’s design guidance, Red Bull achieved significant success, clinching the Constructors’ Championship title in 2023 after dominating almost every Grand Prix, with Verstappen securing victory in 19 out of 22 races.

Yet, the current generation of F1 cars reaches development limits faster than their predecessors. The departure of key figures like Dan Fallows and Rob Marshall to Aston Martin and McLaren, respectively, suggests potential limitations on Newey’s immediate impact on improving the team’s F1 car.

Mercedes chief James Allison has indicated that Red Bull’s progress could be constrained by existing regulations. If Red Bull deems Newey’s salary could be better utilized elsewhere, a decision to shift him entirely to the hypercar project might be taken. The close relationship between Verstappen and Newey, pivotal in driving Red Bull’s recent success, could face challenges if Newey steps away from F1.

Verstappen, aiming for his fourth consecutive world title, could be impacted negatively by such a move.