Newey's increased input to continue at Red Bull

Adrian Newey's increased involvement in Red Bull's car development is going to continue, according to team principal Christian Horner.

While Red Bull opted for a low-drag concept with its 2017 car, the lack of downforce hurt its competitiveness and left it well adrift of Ferrari and Mercedes in the opening four races. After pre-season testing, Newey's involvement in the RB13's design has increased and Horner says that will remain the case following the first significant updates being introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix.

"I think he's been listening very carefully to what the drivers have to say, it's a bit like a trip to the doctors really," Horner said of Newey's input. "He's been keen to understand what the drivers' feedback and comments are and looking to evolve this package accordingly.

"[He has been involved] since Barcelona... I mean he has been involved, probably 50 percent of his time in the background of this car but since the Barcelona test he has been heavily involved. So, I think that will continue for the time being."

Part of the need for Newey to take greater control to the development direction stems from the potential to still find major gains within the new aerodynamic regulations this year.

"We've got plenty going on because the rules are so immature in many respects, there's still lots of gains are being found. Mercedes brought a massive update [to Spain], whilst the status quo in track position has remained the same we do feel we have got a bit closer and got a better understanding of a clear development direction."

Asked if there was scope for Newey to not be involved with the design team if he wanted to pursue other interests, Horner replied: "You can't afford to take him out because obviously as he has sat in the meetings weekly and has been involved in the development and concept of the car.

"It would make... the design group is designed to accommodate the way Adrian works in a fairly unique manner."

Newey has recently been involved in a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull to design a hypercar, but Horner says that project has reached a point where the demands on the chief technical officer have lessened.

"Well he hasn't run [his duties] down, but within a cycle, his element is now done or is coming to a conclusion. He goes into the design world now, obviously there are other iterations he will look at later in the year but for now his focus, obviously the vast majority has been heavily focused on F1."