Throughout history, great Empires have risen from humble beginnings only to crumble to ashes, their downfall rooted in the very foundations upon which they were built. Red Bull Racing has ascended to the status of a Formula One Empire, currently reigning supreme with unmatched dominance over the sport. However, like all grand Empires, its ultimate fate awaits inscription, and it appears that the words for the final chapter are beginning to gather.

With the confirmation of Adrian Newey’s departure in 2025, Red Bull is set to lose a pivotal link in its chain within the Red Bull Empire. As this link is severed, the chain will inevitably loosen, leading to its fragmentation. Adrian Newey has been instrumental in steering Red Bull through two dominant eras, making his departure during the team’s current period of ultra-dominance an unforeseen development.

The Red Bull Empire is currently besieged by reports of an exodus of key engineers and staff, discontented with Christian Horner’s personal conduct and the burgeoning power struggle between Horner and the Red Bull hierarchy in Austria. Horner’s ambition to assume the CEO role of the Red Bull organization is fueled by his desire to end what he perceives as corporate interference in Red Bull Racing.

One cannot help but draw parallels between Horner and the infamous Roman Emperor Nero. Nero, notorious for playing the fiddle while Rome burned, was accused by ancient Roman historians of ordering the city’s destruction to make way for a grand palace befitting his inflated ego.

The decline of the Roman Empire didn’t occur overnight; historical accounts indicate it spanned over 250 years. Similarly, Red Bull Racing’s decline has commenced, though it won’t endure for centuries like Rome’s fall. However, with Newey’s departure, Horner is poised to lose influence.

Horner stands as Red Bull Racing’s talisman, having nurtured the project since its inception and delivering unparalleled success to the brand. Like the ancient Emporers of history, Horner now finds himself overseeing the decline of the Red Bull Racing empire. A decline engineered by his self-interests.

Throughout this period of decline, perhaps spanning 10 years, there may be sporadic resurgences and fleeting celebrations, but the conclusion has already been foretold.