Now, according to BBC Sport, those rumours appear to be true, with his reasons involving the ongoing situation surrounding team principal Christian Horner.
Newey to leave Red Bull over Horner situation
The 50-year-old has been at the centre of allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female colleague, which he has continued to deny.
According to sources close to both Red Bull and Newey, which have been verified by BBC Sport, the latter is unsettled by the situation involving Horner, which has created a ‘multi-faceted power struggle' at the team.
Horner and Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko are reportedly in a dispute, as well as the team’s Thai main shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya (who backed Horner) and Red Bull GmbH (who initially wanted to remove Horner from his post).
Newey is under contract at Red Bull until 2025 – with an extra year of gardening leave built in if he were to leave – but it is believed he can negotiate an exit that allows him to join another team from next season.