This is financially motivated for RB. Previous cost cap language allowed for partial salary application. Meaning that they could have Newey working "15%"of the time on formula 1 and the rest somewhere else. New regs are binary, 100% would have to be allocated now to formula 1. Clearly RB has been able to execute without 100% time from key contributors; because of their previous allocation games, they have to find a way to downsize or would surely be over new reg cap limits. Ferrari, now with Mercedes drunk, RB high, and Aston Martin scratching, are clearly thinking they are to be the next team to dominate the latest design regulations. Newey wants a fulltime role in F1, does his expertise translate to a series of winning seasons in the new regs or will another component play a more vital role, just as prior to RB, Mercedes was untouchable. I would love to see some actual parity and competition for who the winner will be.
You do know that the salaries of the top 3 highest paid team members are excluded from the cost cap right? And the salaries of the drivers too by the way, so 5 people in total.