It would be interesting to know the thoughts that ran through Andy Cowell's head while watching the Austrian Grand Prix, the head of Mercedes' Formula 1 powertrain business having left his role two days before practice started.
For the former Cosworth engineer, the 16 years he spent working at the epicentre of the Silver Arrows' engine division could hardly have been more fruitful - world championship successes with McLaren and Brawn in 2008 and 2009, followed by the extraordinary engineering achievement that's been the hallmark of the company during F1's hybrid era.
Being central to the power behind every one of Lewis Hamilton's six world titles is no mean feat. Whatever the future brings, Cowell will be in demand by Formula 1 media and historians long after Britain's most successful racing driver hangs up his helmet.