Newey, Red Bull’s design guru, was forced to miss several races after hurting himself in a cycling crash over the🌊 summer break but was declared fit to return to F1 action at last month’s Turkish Grand Prix. 

Speaking to𒁃 Sky Germany, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko described the crash and Newey’s injuries as serious and revealed he required "several operations”. 

Marko 💯admitted Newey’s absence had hurt Red Bull b💯ut Horner downplayed the impact of his spell on the sidelines. 

“ꦑObviously things get blown out of proportion sometimes,” Horner said.&nbs൲p;

"He had an accident whilst he was on holiday and thankfully he’s back fully fit and has been for a few wꦜeeks now. 

“He was in Istanbul and here this weekend [in 🐬Austin]. He’s in good shape.”

At the time, Marko expꦡlained that Newey was immediately able to identify set-up issues with Red Bull’s car at Istanbul Park and played a key role in helping the team turnaround its weekend after 🦄a difficult Friday in Turkey. 

"We are well positioned, but o𓆉f course Newey is the figurehea🎃d,” Marko said. 

“And his absence just from motivation is seen. In the early stages we didn't know how serious the injury waꦏs. He had to have several operations.

“But now he is back. He is now🍌 not fully fit, but he is there to do his job and has also immediatel🀅y recognised the difficulties we had in terms of set-up.”

Verstappen finished second in Turkey and went on to claim his eighth victory of the season at the United States Grand Pri♓x, with Newey once again present. 

The results have helped Verstappen move into a 12-point lead over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in the world championship heading in🍌to the remaining fiꦚve races.