RED BULL design lead Adrian Newey is leaving the team following the controversy surrounding director Christian Horner.
The BBC reported that Newey had told Red Bull he wanted to leave the team after about 20 years.
Newey, 65, is said to be “disturbed” at Red Bull in the wake of the Horner sexting scandal.
And it seems that his decision to end his tenure at Red Bull can be traced back to Horner’s involvement.
Red Bull has cleared Horner of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour through an employee.
The anonymous whistleblower has since been suspended and has appealed the decision.
Newey’s obvious and imminent departure will reignite rumours of a move to F1’s premier team.
The Briton, who has won 12 constructors’ world titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and has reportedly already won an offer from Aston Martin.
Newey has a contract with Red Bull until 2025, but the BBC says he believes he can negotiate a deal that will allow him to work for the team from next season.
It would be a major blow for Red Bull to lose Newey, one of the most productive designers in F1 history.
While the former McLaren designer is considered by many to be the mastermind behind the dominance and good luck Red Bull has enjoyed in recent years.
Red Bull has noted that an internal struggle of forces erupted in the wake of the Horner controversy.
There is a lot of fear about the future of Max Verstappen, who would also be disturbed by the situation.
Speaking at last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen spoke of his preference for keeping Red Bull’s lead in position and a “calm atmosphere”.
The star, who has a contract until 2028, said: “I have signed a long contract with the team.
“The one thing I’ve said from the beginning is that we need to have a non-violent environment. Lately I’ve been talking about the car.
“I’m satisfied with that, I’m satisfied with the team and there’s never an explanation as to why I’m leaving. “
Adrian Newey is Red Bull Racing’s chief designer of the team.
The 65-year-old played a role in designing the cars that helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN World Drivers’ Championships.
Newey began designing in Formula 1 in 1988 with March, where his cars were much more competitive than expected.
After March, he spent time at Williams and McLaren before Red Bull in 2005.
Throughout his career, he has contributed to cars that have won 12 constructors’ world titles and thirteen drivers’ world titles.
He is widely regarded as the greatest designer in F1 history.
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