Red Bull are “unaware” of Adrian Newey’s reported intention to quit, Sky Sports have reported.

The F1 world was stunned on Thursday by reports, including from the BBC, saying that Newey had told Red Bull he intends to leave his role as chief technical officer.

His departure would open the door to a seismic move to Ferrari, Aston Martin or Mercedes.

Sky Sports’ Craig Slater reported: “I can tell you that I do believe there is something in this.

“I’ve been ringing around senior figures within Formula 1, people who I know are close to Adrian Newey, to see if they can stand up the claims first made in the German media that he is set to leave, that he has given them notice of his intention to leave.

“Multiple senior figures that I’ve spoken to have expressed that there is discontent from Newey. He is certainly considering bringing his time at Red Bull to an end.

“I have been in touch via official channels with the Red Bull team themselves.

“They have explained to me that they are unaware of any official communication from Adrian Newey notifying of his intention to serve notice, and to leave Red Bull Racing, with whom he has had an association for almost 20 years.

“He is contracted at Red Bull Racing until the end of 2025.

“As I understand, he would have to serve a year of gardening leave if Red Bull hold him to the full extent of his contract.

“Which would mean he would not be able to work for another Formula 1 team until 2027.”

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