The 65-year-old signed a new contract with the reigning world champions last year, but the unrest behind the scenes at the team has contributed to his departure with Newey able to join an F1 rival as early as the first quarter of 2025.

This news has come as a bitter blow to Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez, although Red Bull's pain may prove to be Lewis Hamilton's gain with Ferrari touted as the most likely landing spot for Newey.

Giving his thoughts on the situation, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1: "I would have preferred Adrian to stay, but at the end of the day also - and that's what I also said to Adrian - you have to do what you think is best for yourself.

"Because at the end of the day, F1 is a bit of a shark tank, you know, and I think it is very important that you do think about yourself, that you make the right decision for yourself and your family.

"So I don't blame him. Like, if someone wants to leave, you go and pursue other goals or things in life, so that's absolutely fine."

Newey has been a fundamental figure in underpinning Red Bull's recent return to prominence, masterminding the ground-effect cars that have handed Verstappen back-to-back record-breaking World Championships.

Verstappen's team-mate Perez was also far from delighted with the news that Newey will be leaving Red Bull. The Mexican driver is currently battling to secure a new contract for the 2025 season.

"It is obviously not ideal, someone like Adrian [leaving]," he said. "He has been tremendous to our team, to our organisation, and he is also a very good friend of mine from all the time we've spent together.

"But, at the end of the day, there are times in life when you spend 20 years at Red Bull I think he probably wants to do something else and that is fair."