In a shocking turn of events, design guru Adrian Newey has announced his departure from the Red Bull Formula 1 team after an impressive 19-year stint. This decision comes as a blow to the team, given Newey's instrumental role in securing seven drivers' and six constructors' championships, alongside star drivers Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Sources suggest that Newey's departure stems from his growing disillusionment with the internal politics at Red Bull. The team has become embroiled in a battle for control between the Thai faction, supporting team boss Christian Horner, and the Austrian faction aligned with Helmut Marko and the Verstappen family. The situation reached its boiling point when an internal investigation was launched into allegations of inappropriate behavior by Horner towards a female employee.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, observing the situation from the outside, expressed his lack of surprise at Newey's departure, citing the designer's "very high integrity." Brown believes that Newey's exit may only be the first domino to fall, as other high-profile figures could follow suit. He revealed that McLaren has already seen an increase in resumes from Red Bull personnel amidst the turmoil.

As the most successful designer of all time, Newey's departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the team. His technical prowess and leadership have been invaluable over the years, attracting individuals who aspired to work alongside him. However, Brown remains confident in McLaren's own team, praising the work of their employees and expressing faith in their ability to compete at the front of the grid.

Looking to the future, Newey is set to become available for rival teams from March 2025. Ferrari emerges as a strong contender to secure the services of the esteemed 65-year-old. However, Brown downplayed any notion of McLaren making a move for Newey, emphasizing his satisfaction with the current team and their quest to regain their competitive edge.

The departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull marks a significant turning point for the team, raising questions about its stability and future direction. As the dominoes continue to fall, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits further developments in this ongoing saga.