Adrian Newey and Christian Horner's once close relationship is now said to be 'broken' with the Chief Technical Officer reportedly deciding to stay with Red Bull if his boss is dismissed.
Horner's future has been put under the microscope this week following allegations of inappropriate and coercive behaviour from a female employee.
The 50-year-old has strongly denied the accusations, which are reported to be based on his leadership style.
Red Bull launched an investigation into the allegations, which they are taking "very seriously".
Adrian Newey won't follow Christian Horner if he departs Red Bull
GETTY
Horner met with investigators on Friday morning to start the process with Red Bull hoping to reach a verdict before the launch of the RB20 next week.
But the bombshell reports this week have raised questions on Horner's future with Red Bull.
Reports earlier this week suggested Horner had been advised to voluntarily resign and step down as team boss.
There is no indication that he plans to do that with the Red Bull team principal fighting to clear his name.
But if he does depart, Horner reportedly won't be joined by Newey in leaving too.
Arguably F1's most iconic car designer has had a close relationship with Horner ever since the two teamed up at the start of 2006.
He masterminded the design of Red Bull's historic RB19, which won all but one race last year.
However, F1 Insider claim Newey's friendship with Horner 'has now broken' to the point that they won't stick together if the latter is dismissed over the investigation.
Adrian Newey has been at Red Bull since 2006
GETTY
Newey is said to be 'loyal to the world champion', even if Horner is no longer there.
There's been reports that Jonathan Wheatley could be lined up as a replacement for Horner should it come to it.
But Red Bull will want a final decision made in the coming days with their 2024 car being unveiled on February 15.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Christian Horner is under investigation at Red Bull
GETTY
Having dominated last year's championship, Red Bull remain the team to beat heading into the new season.
Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin are seen as the closest challengers to rival Red Bull's dominance.
All will be revealed in the coming weeks though with pre-season testing getting underway at the end of the month.
And the season-opening race in Bahrain takes place at the start of March, where Red Bull will be hoping to pick up where they left off.
