Adrian Newey to leave Red Bull amidst Horner controversy

Key F1 figure departing Red Bull

Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing's chief technical officer and design guru, is reportedly leaving the team, according to multiple sources including the BBC.

This comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.

Newey, widely regarded as the greatest F1 designer in history, has informed Red Bull of his desire to move on, as first reported by Auto Motor und Sport and independently verified by BBC Sport.

Allegations and internal turmoil

The situation stems from allegations of sexual harassment and abusive behavior leveled against Horner by a female employee, which Horner has denied.

Red Bull conducted an internal investigation that cleared Horner, but the complainant has appealed the decision.

This has sparked a power struggle within the team, with motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and Red Bull's Austrian ownership at odds with Thai shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, who backed Horner.

Newey's unease and potential destinations

Sources close to Newey and Red Bull confirm the 65-year-old designer's unease over the internal situation is the driving force behind his desire to leave.

Despite a contract until the end of 2025, Newey believes he can negotiate an exit to join another team as early as next season.

The British engineer has been strongly linked with Ferrari and has received an offer from Aston Martin.

However, his availability is likely to attract interest from all leading teams.

Championship-winning legacy

Newey's departure would represent a monumental loss for Red Bull.

He has been instrumental in the team's two dominant eras, overseeing four consecutive drivers' and constructors' titles with Sebastian Vettel from 2010-2014, and the current era with Max Verstappen.

In 2022, Verstappen and Red Bull produced the most dominant season in F1 history, with the Dutchman winning 19 of 22 races.

They appear on course for a similar performance this year after winning four of the first five races.

Prior to joining Red Bull in 2005, Newey enjoyed multiple championship-winning successes at Williams and McLaren.

Team dynamics and implications

While Newey's day-to-day involvement in F1 has reduced due to other projects like the RB17 supercar, his brilliant mind remains responsible for the concept of Red Bull's successful cars.

His potential departure could further unsettle Max Verstappen, who has expressed a desire for a peaceful environment at the team and to retain key personnel like Helmut Marko.

Verstappen, under contract until 2028, is a key target for Mercedes, who hope to lure him away in 2025 or 2026.

Losing an influential figure like Newey could weaken Red Bull's position.