As they watched another team celebrate a Grand Prix victory in Miami, you could almost sense the consternation in the Red Bull camp.

They have the fastest car and the best driver in F1, but behind-the-scenes ructions can have a habit of spilling out onto the track.

It's been a challenging start to the 2024 season off the grid for Red Bull, with lurid allegations about team principal Christian Horner followed by the resignation of Adrian Newey, the designer who has become a key figure in the Austrian outfit's rise to the top of the sport.

With such imbalance off the track, could that impact the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull?

Cracks Emerging

Bookmakers like Paddy Power are so convinced of Red Bull's dominance this season that they are offering two unique betting markets: 'without Max Verstappen' and 'without Red Bull' for the Constructors' Championship.

Those giving tips for betting on sports will be sweet on the chances of Sergio Perez in the former, while the latter looks set to be an entertaining battle between the current favourite at 4/9, Ferrari, and the 15/8 underdog McLaren - who won the Miami GP in such scintillating fashion at the start of May.

So while there isn't a great deal of concern about Red Bull's position in 2024, looking further down the line there could be ramifications if they don't settle the ship from a non-racing perspective.

Newey's loss is considerable. He's the innovative design chief behind the last few generations of Red Bull cars - the firm's technical know-how a key component of their success.

Red Bull have won a cabinet full of silverware with Newey at the helm, including the dominant era of Sebastian Vettel in the 2010s as well as Verstappen's reign of terror now.

Not only will the champions lose a vital contributor themselves, they will also suffer the consequence of Newey taking his expertise to a rival - a possibility that has become even more real after the 'non-compete' clause was removed from his contract.

Expect Newey to resurface in a new F1 role in 2025... which could help to shake up the grid entirely.

Champion's Instinct

Some of the interviews that Verstappen has given this season offer a potential window into his future at Red Bull.

When quizzed about that particular subject, the Dutchman has said he is intent on staying with Red Bull 'at the moment' - not exactly a statement of intent of a long future with the Austrian outfit.

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, although he could decide to leave earlier - a situation that may arise should the regulatory changes in 2026 weaken Red Bull's dominance at the head of the grid.

Whether mischievous or not, a number of F1 teams have revealed that they have been receiving CVs from Red Bull staff seeking alternative employment, which puts into perspective the difficulties that the team is facing behind the curtain.

Given that Verstappen has openly spoken of preferring a positive environment, just as much as a rapid car, his loyalty to Red Bull will surely be tested in the next season or two.