Losing a highly-rated driver is a major blow to any team. To have it happen on the eve of a crucial moment of a season is another. And for it to occur at the start of a major manufacturer's entry into a new motorsport sphere is almost unheard of.
Yet all of this happened to the Nissan e.dams ABB FIA Formula E squad on the first day of 2018/19 pre-season testing back in October. Alexander Albon, who had secured a three-year deal to race with the team in the electric championship, was suddenly being courted by Red Bull over a 2019 Toro Rosso Formula 1 seat.
Understandably, with the dream of probably every talented and aspiring driver dangling over him, he wanted to leave the electric world he had barely even entered - for a chance on the biggest stage in motorsport.