Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix was a huge one for everyone involved at Red Bull, as Max Verstappen claimed the team’s 100th victory in Formula 1.
The reigning World Champion stormed to his fourth consecutive win and his sixth of 2023, whilst the result also marked his 41st career victory at the pinnacle of motorsport.
This puts him level with three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna, meaning he could surpass the legendary Brazilian at the team’s home race next weekend.
Verstappen’s win wasn’t only a significant moment for himself and the Milton Keynes-based team, it was also a momentous occasion for chief technical officer Adrian Newey.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
The Dutchman’s win marked the 200th victory for a car designed by Newey, with Nigel Mansell having claimed the first back in 1991.
To signify the moment, it was Newey who joined Verstappen on the podium.
He admitted after the race all the race wins have simply been a “bonus”, with his childhood dream having been realised the moment he claimed his “first salary” in F1.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Newey told Sky Sports F1.
“My dream always from a kid was to be in engineering and motor racing, so when I got my first job in motor racing and got my first salary, that was really the big moment. Everything else has been a bonus.”
Newey went on to discuss some of his most memorable wins from cars he’s designed, with Mansell’s 1991 win for Williams in Mexico being a fond memory.
Verstappen’s dramatic win at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is another Newey remembers; however, he recognises all of his cars wins as “special”.
“They’re obviously all special,” Newey added.
“The ones that of course stand out are the first one in Mexico, and then the ones where the championship has gone down to the wire.
“You can argue that is the end of the championship, so, of course, it’s that race – Abu Dhabi with Sebastian [Vettel] against Fernando [Alonso, 2010] and then Max against Lewis [Hamilton, 2021].”
Whilst it was reported by Motorsport.com that the 64-year-old has recently signed a new contract with Red Bull, Newey has recognised that his retirement is “on a countdown”.
He’s unsure when he’ll eventually walk away from F1; however, he’ll keep designing winning cars whilst he’s still “enjoying” the job.
READ: Max Verstappen to be handed blow over Dutch GP
“I’m lucky enough to be doing what I have always wanted to do and enjoy the job. I’ve loved it,” Newey admitted.
“Of course, my career can’t go on forever, so I think as long as the team want me and I keep enjoying it, I’ll keep going.
“But that’s got to be… realistically, it’s on a countdown. Exactly when that day is, I don’t know.”