Christian Horner has made it clear he harbours no grudge towards Adrian Newey following his decision to leave Red Bull, insisting they remain good friends.
Newey recently confirmed he would be leaving the team in early 2025, with Ferrari hopeful of bringing him in to work with Lewis Hamilton next year.
The 65-year-old has played a key role in Red Bull's success over the years, having been appointed as the side's chief technical officer back in 2006.
Red Bull initially saw Sebastian Vettel win four F1 titles in a row between 2009 and 2013, with Newey a huge influence in his success.
F1 news: Christian Horner has insisted he remains friends with Adrian Newey despite the 65-year-old's Red Bull exit
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And the veteran has also been instrumental to Max Verstappen's fine form, with the Dutchman winning the past three F1 crowns.
Newey's sudden decision to leave Red Bull has stunned the Formula One community.
But Horner insists there's no bad blood and that he remains firm friends with the 65-year-old.
"I've spoken to Adrian at length about it and Adrian's position is very clear," he said, per Sky Sports.
"We have enjoyed a great relationship, and we continue to enjoy a great relationship.
"We are friends as well as work colleagues and he's done a huge amount for this team
"We will be sad to see him leave but he's left the team in good shape and we've got a great team of people and strength and depth to take us forward."
There have been suggestions that the uncertainty over Horner's own position has contributed to Newey's exit decision.
Horner was cleared of misconduct earlier this year but the female employee who alleged inappropriate behaviour is appealing Red Bull's verdict.
Yet Horner says Newey has decided it's time for a new challenge and that they 'knew that the time was coming'.
"I think if you speak with Adrian and look at the statements that he's put out, Adrian's decided that the timing for him is now, after pretty much 35 years with the team, and the strength and the engineering depth that we have, to step away," he said.
"We knew that the time was coming and we've built a structure in place to be able to pick up the baton and carry on with it.
"That's something that's been put in place over the last five or six years."
As well as Ferrari, Aston Martin are keen on acquiring Newey for next season.
And Horner says his colleague has 'earned the right to take some time out from F1'.
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He also added: "Unfortunately, nothing is forever and Adrian was at Williams for seven years, he was at McLaren for seven years and we managed to have him for 18 years, so I think we've enjoyed some great moments on and off track, it's been a wonderful journey with Adrian.
"He's a friend, he's the godfather to my children and we remain friends."
Newey, meanwhile, has admitted he's 'flattered' by praise from Hamilton - though insists he'll be taking a 'little bit of a break' before deciding on his next move.
F1 news: Christian Horner and Adrian Newey have achieved plenty of success together at Red Bull
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“It’s very kind of Lewis to say that," he said.
"I’m very flattered, but at the moment it’s just take a little bit of a break and see what happens next.”
