Max Verstappen is braced for the major departure of Red Bull chief engineer Adrian Newey, having stressed his importance to Christian Horner earlier this month. Various leaks have suggested that the 65-year-old English chief technology officer will leave before the end of his contract in 2025.

Newey is said to be dissatisfied with the power struggle brewing at Red Bull following the saga surrounding Horner. The team principal was accused and subsequently cleared by an internal investigation after allegations of inappropriate behaviour, though an appeal is ongoing.

Newey has played a key role in Red Bull’s transformation into a Formula One powerhouse, designing the vehicles that Verstappen has driven to three championships in a row. Having been with the team since 2005, overseeing two dominant eras, Newey’s exit will be seen as a major blow for the team.

Rumours have been swirling for several weeks over the futures of key Red Bull figures including Newey, Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko. When Aston Martin were linked with Newey and the prospect of a big-money move was raised, Verstappen made his feelings clear to Horner that their chief engineer would be missed greatly.