Button sees more trouble brewing at Red Bull: 'That'll hurt the atmosphere'

Jenson Button has highlighted how Adrian Newey's departure will hurt the atmosphere within Red Bull Racing. The 2009 World Champion has also warned the teams trying to sign Newey that they might not see the fruits ripen until 2029. Newey is expected to be leaving Red Bull.

Red Bull are currently dominating the sport with a car designed by Newey. In the hands of Max Verstappen, the combination is producing win after win within Formula 1. There's been trouble within the Red Bull camp for much of the year, largely triggered by accusations of inappropriate behaviour from team boss Christian Horner. Former F1 driver Button warns the atmosphere will only get worse without Newey. 

Why a Newey departure will hurt Red Bull's atmosphere

"It obviously hurts Red Bull, and it probably hurts the atmosphere in the team a little bit as well knowing that the major guy in the team that develops this wonderful car that they have year on year is not happy and wanting to leave, if that is the truth," Button said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

On Wednesday, the Italian media reported that Fred Vasseur has met with Newey on his way to the Miami Grand Prix. There was even a suggestion of no gardening leave, which would mean Newey won't be placed on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time. But should gardening leave be in place, Button warms teams like Aston Martin and Ferrari when thinking about signing Newey. 

"For the sport, it's probably a good thing if we saw him somewhere else. It'll give another team an opportunity. The trouble is, it takes years to develop a car. It's not overnight. Also, I don't think he'd be allowed to work with another team for a few years. I read something that it was 2027 that he'd have gardening leave until then, so it's not really going to help a team until 2029, I guess, which is a long way down the road," Button said.