Adrian Newey has reportedly indicated to Red Bull that he wants to leave the team before his contract expires in 2025 following the controversy surrounding Christian Horner.
The bombshell news was first reported by German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, which claimed Newey has grown tired of the 'power struggle' behind the scenes at Red Bull.
The Red Bull Gmbh group based in Austria and shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya have supposedly been at loggerheads over the Horner investigation from earlier this year.
Newey has a contract with Red Bull running to the end of the 2025 season, but it's being claimed he could push to leave early.
Adrian Newey wants to leave Red Bull at the end of the season
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According to the BBC, the Red Bull chief technical officer has been 'unsettled' at the team ever since allegations against Horner were first made.
Horner was vehemently denied the accusations against him and he was cleared by the internal investigation.
But the female employee at the centre of the scandal has appealed against the decision and that process is now said to be underway.
Newey has been with Red Bull since 2005 and is credited as the mastermind behind their move to the top of F1.
He's been heralded as the greatest Formula 1 designer in history and has helped mastermind Red Bull's return to the top of the sport since the latest regulation change from the 2022 season.
Last year, Red Bull produced the most dominant season in F1 history as the team won 21 of the 22 races.
The 2024 campaign has started in a similar fashion with Max Verstappen winning four of the first five Grands Prix.
Work will already be underway on Red Bull's car for next season, where the F1 grid is set to look majorly different following Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.
Adrian Newey has been linked with Ferrari
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It was reported earlier this year that Newey was in 'advanced talks' to join forces with Hamilton at Ferrari from next season.
Newey's possible departure would be devastating for Red Bull with a possible knock-on effect for Max Verstappen's future.
The Dutchman has faced questions over his own contract at Red Bull due to the saga surrounding Horner.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to bring in Verstappen as Hamilton's successor.
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Adrian Newey has been crucial to Red Bull's success
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But Verstappen has indicated that he still plans to stay at Red Bull with his contract running through to the end of the 2028 season.
He said recently: “Toto and I have had our moments. That is normal between two teams battling for the championship but the respect has always been there.
“From my side it doesn’t change anything. I don’t know what will happen after 2028, if I will stay in F1 or continue, or sign a new deal (with Red Bull).
“But that is why I signed the deal in the first place. I am happy within the team and it is my intention to be here in the end.”