Adrian Newey’s Potential Move to Ferrari with Lewis Hamilton Stirs F1 Speculation

Formula 1 insiders are buzzing with rumors suggesting that legendary engineer Adrian Newey may soon join forces with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, following his departure from Red Bull.

Despite Newey’s contractual ties with Red Bull until at least the end of 2025, murmurs within the F1 community hint at his imminent departure. While Red Bull has not received official communication regarding his intentions, Sky Sports News’ F1 correspondent Craig Slater suggests that insiders at Aston Martin anticipate Newey’s exit and a potential move to Ferrari alongside Hamilton.

Though Newey, aged 65, currently enjoys a role that grants him freedom from day-to-day car development and offers flexibility in attending races, the allure of a new challenge may entice him. Aston Martin’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, reportedly extended a lucrative offer to Newey recently. However, speculation points towards Italy as Newey’s next destination.

Ferrari’s long-standing pursuit of Newey and Aston Martin’s logistical proximity at Silverstone have fueled the rumors. While Ferrari has unsuccessfully courted Newey for over two decades, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll suggest that if Newey opts for a change, Ferrari could be the destination.

He said on Sky: “There’s been speculation that Ferrari have tried to sign him, and also that Aston Martin were hoping to perhaps entice him to work there – that would certainly be an easier move in logistical terms for Newey because they are based at Silverstone.

As the F1 world eagerly awaits Newey’s decision, the potential partnership between Newey and Hamilton at Ferrari adds another layer of intrigue to the sport’s landscape.

“Ferrari have been trying for over 20 years to sign Adrian Newey and have been unsuccessful in that. But some insiders within Aston Martin have been explaining to me that they think if he goes somewhere else, it would be Ferrari potentially. So let’s see.”

Throughout Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious Formula 1 career, Adrian Newey’s name has been synonymous with excellence, despite the two never directly collaborating. Hamilton’s profound admiration for Newey’s genius has been evident, with the seven-time champion openly acknowledging the designer’s influence on the sport.

Reflecting on Newey’s track record in 2022, Hamilton remarked, “Adrian Newey doesn’t generally build bad cars.” Hamilton’s first championship-winning car with McLaren in 2007 was an evolution of Newey’s design, showcasing the designer’s profound impact on Hamilton’s career trajectory. Hamilton further highlighted Newey’s expertise, noting his pivotal role in ground-effect car design and his unique ability to hand-draw intricate car models.

Regarding the potential of Newey joining him at Ferrari, Hamilton expressed his respect for Newey’s contributions to Red Bull while acknowledging the collective effort behind the team’s success. He emphasized that while Newey plays a significant role, there are numerous engineers contributing to Red Bull’s development. Hamilton refrained from speculating on Newey’s future, focusing on his ongoing competition against Red Bull in the current season.

Asked more recently about the prospect of Newey joining him at Ferrari, he said: “I know he’s a huge part of [Red Bull], of course, but I know there are so many engineers in the background that are a huge part of developing the team and the car that they have and it’s not down to one person.

“It’s not my decision [to sign him for Ferrari], but I’m competing against him this year at the moment, so I can’t really talk about next year just yet.”

Hamilton’s comments underscore the mutual respect shared between two titans of the sport, highlighting Newey’s enduring legacy and his influence on Formula 1’s landscape.