Lewis Hamilton will return to action on Friday during practice ahead of this weekend's Miami Grand Prix. Photo: Getty Images/Jared K. Tilton
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he would like Ferrari to sign Adrian Newey next year once the latter's contract with Red Bull ends, adding that if he had ” bucket list” of people he'd like to work with, the 65-year-old designer “would absolutely be on top.”
Speaking in Miami ahead of this weekend's race, Hamilton, who will join the Italian team next year after more than a decade with Mercedes, made no bones about a deal that many believe is now a foregone conclusion.
Newey's sensational departure from Red Bull “in the first quarter of 2025” was confirmed by the team earlier this week.
And although Red Bull had been preparing for life after Newey's departure for quite some time, no one foresaw that the famous designer would be able to negotiate an early release from the contract he renewed only last year and which was due to run until the end of the season. 2025, with the possibility of a 12-month non-compete clause even after that.
Red Bull has still not been able to satisfactorily answer why they are releasing Newey early. But his arrival next year is a game changer.
Although Ferrari will be quite advanced in building their 2026 car by then, they won't be so advanced that Newey can't use his insight and knowledge. to influence the final design.
Hamilton, 39, admitted he was hopeful. this dream has become a reality. “Adrian has such a great story and track record,” he said. “He has done an amazing job throughout his career interacting with teams and using the knowledge that he has. I think he would be a great addition.
“I think they [Ferrari] already have a great team that is making huge strides forward and progressing. Their car is faster this year. But it would be a great honor to work with him.”
When asked whether the attempt to poach Newey was part of the discussions when he was negotiating his contract with Ferrari, Hamilton smiled. “These are all private conversations,” he said. “But if I had to make a list of people I would like to work with, he would probably be at the top of it. I don't know. Let's see.”
Hamilton added that he did not expect Red Bull to suddenly become uncompetitive after Newey left.
“It’s not just one person, it’s a whole team of people doing their job,” the seven-time world champion stressed. “But any team would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Hamilton, of course, has a bit of a conflict of interest as his current Mercedes team is struggling at the moment. And many observers believe Newey, whose thesis at the University of Southampton many moons ago was based on ground effect, could be just what they need.
Asked if he expects Mercedes to challenge Ferrari for Newey's signature, Hamilton replied: who had just said that his heart belonged to Mercedes and he wanted to raise them, looked a little awkward. “I have no idea if they [Mercedes] are trying,” he said.
Ferrari, of course, is there. Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has already reported that Newey met with Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur in London last week. Ferrari has not denied the claim.
Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, later suggested Red Bull could do it. allowed Newey to terminate his contract early out of “respect” for what he had done for the team, saying it would be rude to force him to stay home on endless gardening leave.
Verstappen added that while he would have preferred Newey to stay, the Englishman has been less involved with the Formula One team at Red Bull these days than those outside the team may have assumed.
Verstappen went on to say that he is happy at Red Bull, of course, for this year and next, denying reports that Mercedes have offered him a record contract to drive for them. “It’s not about the money, it’s about performance,” he concluded. “Toto knows this.”
“Adrian is much more than just a designer”
Red Bull's Sergio Perez said at the same press conference that the loss of Newey, a man he described as a brilliant designer and good friend, was “not ideal.” But he denies his departure could trigger a further exodus from a team still embroiled in political drama, with bitter power struggles going on behind the scenes and ongoing speculation about the future of team boss Christian Horner, who has been accused by a woman. employee controlling and coercive behavior. Her complaint was rejected by parent company Red Bull and she is appealing the result. Horner has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
“I don’t think so,” Perez said when asked if he expected Newey’s departure to have a ripple effect. “Christian has done a great job of preparing for life without Adrian. I think everyone is determined and the future is bright. It's normal that sometimes you have movement, but the organization remains very strong.
“But Adrian is much more than just a designer. In strategy, setting up and influencing the entire race weekend he is very strong. Wherever he goes, he will make an impact.”
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