Pierre Wache has publicly refuted suggestions that he is under extra pressure due to stepping into the role formerly held by the legendary Adrian Newey at Red Bull.

While Wache held the position of technical director before Newey's departure was announced, there has been considerable confidence within the team's upper management about Red Bull maintaining its competitive edge under the new technical guidance of the 49-year-old French engineer.

Wache confirmed at Imola that Newey is no longer participating in Red Bull's technical meetings.

"It doesn't matter about your name," he remarked. "The risk of picking up some current IP on the car, and the future car even more, makes us take very careful steps."

As Newey, aged 65, is rumored to be joining Ferrari next year to impact their 2026 car design, the expectations from Wache to fill Newey's shoes are undoubtedly high.

"We have pressure every day in our profession," Wache explained to journalist Gaetan Vigneron and Belgian broadcaster RTBF at Imola.

"I don't see it like that. It's just an important person who is leaving and we have to adapt."

"We had already worked on the team to take this aspect into account but it doesn't change much for me if it is said that I am replacing him. What matters is how we deliver performance on the track and how we work together to achieve the best result," he concluded.