Just hours after McLaren officially confirmed that current Toro Rosso technical director James Key would lead its engineering department in 2019, the Faenza-based squad appears to be contesting the announcement.
Oddly, McLaren did not issue a press release announcing Key's appointment, which means that details related to the timing of the British engineer's arrival at Woking remain unknown.
The team did however communicate the news on social media. But Toro Rosso's Franz responded this afternoon with a somewhat confusing message of its own on Twitter.
"James Key has a long term valid contract with the team. The contents of the contract are confidential, therefore we won’t comment on any of the details."
There is speculation that Red Bull likely won't let Key depart without Toro Rosso negotiating a form of compensation as his contract has yet to run its term, whether it be hard cash or perhaps by enjoying the benefit of bringing McLaren junior Lando Norris into the bull pen, as Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko attempted to do recently.
There's currently a lull in Red Bull's young driver programme, forcing Marko to seek young talent out of the energy drink's stable.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…
Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…
Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…
Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…
Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…
The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…