Ferrari has been tirelessly pursuing Adrian Newey’s expertise for quite some time, and it seems like their efforts might finally be paying off.
Reports suggest that Adrian Newey has indeed inked a deal to join Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, with the esteemed aerodynamicist set to receive a substantial salary boost in Maranello. His departure from Red Bull Racing was confirmed just before the Miami Grand Prix a fortnight ago.
According to sources within Italy, Newey has already put pen to paper on a contract with Ferrari, where he is expected to collaborate with Fred Vasseur and Hamilton, as revealed in a recent report from Mail Sport preceding the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Initially citing a need for a break from the demanding world of Formula 1 when he announced his departure from Red Bull, Newey’s sentiments seemed to have shifted as he hinted at exploring new opportunities. In a recent statement ahead of the Imola Grand Prix, he mentioned, “I feel a bit fatigued at the moment, but I’ll likely be back in the game soon,” hinting at a potential move to another team for the next four or five years.
With Newey expressing his inclination to return to the fray sooner rather than later, several teams have shown interest in securing his services. Among the suitors is Williams, aiming to revive the glory days of the 1990s after enduring a decline over the past decade.
While McLaren and Mercedes acknowledge Newey’s potential contributions, they’ve refrained from actively pursuing him, and Aston Martin’s attempts reportedly fell short.
Despite widespread admiration across the paddock, Ferrari has consistently been viewed as the prime contender to secure Newey’s talents. The historic Italian outfit has been courting him for years, and the prospect of collaborating with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under Vasseur’s leadership could be the decisive factor in sealing the deal.
Hamilton himself is eager to work alongside Newey before both their illustrious careers conclude. “Competing against a team he’s been integral to for years has been a significant challenge,” he remarked. “But we must remember, it’s not just one person; it’s an entire team behind the scenes. Despite his incredible expertise, the team he leaves behind will continue to excel. I anticipate Red Bull will keep producing stellar cars. Still, any team would be privileged to have the chance to collaborate with him.”
