Adrian Newey is set for crunch talks with Red Bull to resolve his future, according to reports.
Earlier this week, rumours swirled that the 65-year-old would be leaving the team amid links to Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Red Bull then released a statement, insisting they were unaware of any imminent Newey exit - while reiterating the enginner is contracted to the team until 2025.
Now, according to the Guardian, Newey is set for crunch talks with Red Bull as all parties look to resolve his future.
Adrian Newey is set for crunch talks with Red Bull in order to resolve his future with the F1 side
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It's claimed the veteran will 'begin talks' with Red Bull's management team.
Newey, as well as other members of the Red Bull team, were reportedly caught 'by surprise' when reports suggesting he was leaving first broke.
The 65-year-old, who is the most successful F1 car designer of the modern era, is said to be 'dissatisfied' with his role in the team.
He has also been 'disquieted by the furore' that has engulfed the side ever since allegations were made against Christian Horner.
Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female member of staff, with Red Bull later clearing their team principal of misconduct.
The saga is far from over, however.
Horner's accuser gave evidence this week against the Briton in the hope that Red Bull will reverse their initial decision to clear him.
Horner has always denied any wrongdoing - but losing Newey would certainly represent a hammer blow.
The duo have played a key role in Red Bull dominating the sport over the past few years, with Max Verstappen winning the past three F1 titles.
He won his first crown in controversial circumstances back in 2021, pipping Lewis Hamilton to glory.
And Verstappen has since proceeded to add to his haul in 2022 and 2023.
If Newey does leave Red Bull, Horner and the team would be in need of a top engineer to ensure they continue to leave their rivals behind.
That would, however, be easier said than done.
Former F1 star Karun Chandhok, meanwhile, believes Newey should turn down Ferrari if he does opt to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
He instead feels the engineer should join Aston Martin to work with Fernando Alonso.
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Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull would represent a huge blow for Christian Horner
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"Imagine if we had Lewis at Ferrari, Max going to Mercedes and Adrian Newey going to Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso," Chankhok wrote on X.
"Fans' dream! Just the shake up F1 would need to break the current dominant cycle."
Meanwhile, Red Bull are currently gearing up for next Sunday's Miami Grand Prix.
Adrian Newey has played a key role in Red Bull's dominance of F1 over the past few years
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And they'll be hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories in the state of Florida.
Verstappen won the event in both 2022 and 2023, with the 26-year-old currently top of the standings with 110 points to his name.
Team-mate Sergio Perez sits second, while Charles Leclerc is third.
