What happened: Adrian Newey said former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner did not 'fully understand' his 'pain and frustration' during the team's fallow seasons with Renault engines, per Sky Sports F1. The remarks counter criticism of the veteran designer published in Horner's new book.

Why it matters: The exchange extends a public rift days after Horner claimed Aston Martin was unprepared for Newey's working methods. Red Bull has since reshaped its leadership without either figure, locking in team principal Laurent Mekies through 2031 while transitioning to its own five-year powertrains project.

What to watch: On-track focus returns to Circuit of the Americas this weekend, where Red Bull faces an upgraded McLaren with 17 rounds completed in the 2026 constructors race.