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On a pure performance basis, F1’s best designer leaving a team that is enjoying one of the most dominant spells in the sport’s history is promising for those who desire more competitive racing at the front of the grid.

Beyond the sporting impact, the fact that Newey’s desire to leave is reported to be directly related to how he feels about Christian Horner is likely to put renewed pressure on the Red Bull team principal.

There has been a period of sustained turbulence at Red Bull following the investigation earlier this year by their Austrian parent company into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner by a female colleague.