Rumour links Adrian Newey’s number two with Ferrari switch in potential blow for Red Bull

Pierre Wache - Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey’s understudy - has been linked with a move to F1 rivals Ferrari.

It is believed by “many people” in the F1 paddock that Red Bull’s technical director is “already on his way to Italy in the not-too-distant future”, according to BBC Sport.

However, the report adds this belief is “without proof”.

If Wache, who along with Newey were the key architects of the dominant RB18 and RB19 cars that have taken the team to back-to-back double world championships,  were to join Ferrari it would be a major blow to Red Bull.

The links come at a time when Newey’s own future at Red Bull has come into the spotlight amid an investigation into a complaint of inappropriate behaviour made against team principal Christian Horner.

Newey - considered the greatest designer in F1 history - last year revealed he has twice been tempted to join Ferrari, only to back out.

BBC Sport suggest “Ferrari might see the drama inside Red Bull as an opportunity to have another go at luring the chief technical officer.”

Last week it was confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season and join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from 2025.

Meanwhile, Horner has today met with the independent lawyer hired by Red Bull in London to defend his position.

Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater has reported the investigation “could go on for a while”.

“My guidance is that this could well stretch past the the launch of Red Bull's 20th racing car, which is next Thursday,” he said.

“And who knows, might it not even be concluded before pre-season testing begins."