Mercedes not counting on post-Newey slump for Red Bull F1 team

Newey has grown tired of the increasingly restrictive nature of F1's rules, and from the start of next year is to focus on new technology projects for Red Bull alongside an advisory role for the grand prix team.

That decision means Red Bull will, for the first time since he joined in 2006, be without the full-time input of the design genius who helped guide it to four consecutive title doubles.

While some suggest that the change will be a blow to the outfit, because Newey's influence has been so great, Mercedes thinks that the situation will pan out with minimal disruption to the team's form.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff said: "He is still going to be there, although he is advising and mentoring them.

"I don't think that this is a goodbye for Adrian. I think he wants to be associated with the team, but switch focus on to other projects.

"He is a very competitive person and I have no doubt that he will try to help them as much as possible to get the car back on a winning streak."

Newey himself is confident that the structure he has worked so hard to create at Red Bull is now strong enough for the outfit to not suffer too much when he leaves.

"We've a very good level of talent at Milton Keynes we have managed to develop and nurture over the past years," he said at the Canadian GP.

"Hopefully that can continue to build, and I'll be available if they would like or need advice.

"So hopefully it can be a reasonably smooth transition."