Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula One design engineering virtuoso, the orchestrator behind numerous constructors’ and drivers’ championships, has parted ways with Red Bull Racing after an illustrious tenure spanning 19 years. Newey’s departure comes at a juncture when Red Bull stands at the pinnacle of its resurgence, commanding the circuit with a dominance synonymous only with a car crafted by Adrian Newey. Yet, the question looms: why depart at the zenith of the team’s triumph?

The answer is simple… Christian “Coco Pops” Horner.

Newey’s discontent stems from Red Bull’s handling of allegations concerning Horner’s purported misconduct. Despite an internal and independent inquiry exonerating Horner of accusations of inappropriate and coercive behaviour toward his personal assistant, the subsequent suspension of the assistant has left Newey disconcerted.

The discordant dispensation of justice toward a colleague known to him, coupled with the ensuing power struggle between Red Bull headquarters and Christian Horner, has disrupted Newey’s equilibrium. A stalwart advocate for a serene milieu conducive to his creative endeavours, Newey finds himself unsettled amidst the tempestuous atmosphere.

While Horner initially extolled Newey’s invaluable contributions to Red Bull, rumours abound of a strained relationship between the two luminaries, exacerbated by the internal tumult. Newey, the architect of two eras of dominance during his tenure at Red Bull, effortlessly eclipsing competitors in the ground-effect era, now departs, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled success.

Newey’s departure invariably portends a period of decline for any team fortunate enough to have benefited from his genius—Williams and McLaren serving as poignant reminders. The industry waits with bated breath as speculation mounts regarding Newey’s next destination.

With expressed aspirations to collaborate with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, the convergence between all parties seems inevitable.