Adrian Newey admits courting Lewis Hamilton is flattering as he prepares to leave Red Bull… after the seven-time world champion said working with the legendary designer was ‘at the top of his wish list’
- The 65-year-old confirmed this week that he will leave the England squad.
- Newey has been linked to a consultancy role at Ferrari – but no deal offered
- Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season to join the Scuderia
Adrian Newey admitted on Friday evening that he was flattered that Lewis Hamilton was trying to woo him to Ferrari.
Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for the Scuderia next season and Newey, Formula 1’s main designer, is on the market after announcing this week he would leave Red Bull before his contract expires.
Before the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked if he would welcome the chance to work with Newey, 65. “Very good,” he replied. “It’s at the top of my wish list.”
Newey, speaking for the first time since news of his impending departure became public, responded by saying: “It was very nice of Lewis to say that, but at the moment I’m just taking a little break and we’ll see what happens next.
Mail Sport understands that Ferrari have definitely spoken to Newey about the possibility of moving there, but are yet to complete the deal.
Adrian Newey (pictured) admitted Lewis Hamilton’s compliments were very flattering
The seven-time world champion said working with the designer was “at the top of his wish list”.
Newey flew to Miami to join team principal Christian Horner (right) after his imminent exit from Red Bull was confirmed
Newey’s departure is another blow to Red Bull after the scandal that engulfed team principal Christian Horner for allegedly sending coercive text messages to a female colleague. He was cleared following an internal investigation, a verdict which is now under appeal.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a little while now – over the winter and then as things have unfolded this year,” explained Newey, who earns £15million.
“I’m in a very lucky position: I don’t need to work to live. I work because I love it and I think it’s a good time to step back and take stock of life. Maybe at some point I’ll be in the shower and say, “Okay, that’s going to be the next adventure.” »
“Formula 1 consumes everything. I’ve been working on it for a long time now. There comes a time, as Forrest Gump said, “I feel a little tired.” »
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who drives Newey’s rocket, has given Red Bull a boost by insisting he cannot be lured to Mercedes even for £150million a year.
The reigning world champion has priced himself out of contention as rumors swirl that he is unhappy with recent shenanigans.
“My future is at Red Bull at the moment,” he said.
Max Verstappen doubled his place at Red Bull after another frantic qualifying day
Hamilton was only 12th in qualifying for the sprint, while teammate George Russell was 11th.
“Even if there was an offer of 150 million, money won’t make the difference. I’m already happy with what I’m winning. If I knew I was driving for fifth or sixth place, I’d get pretty grumpy.
“Everyone knows it’s about performance and Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team principal) knows that.”
Verstappen, 26, took pole for Saturday’s sprint race despite a less than perfect lap. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starts second and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez third.
Hamilton was only 12th, his teammate George Russell 11th. So much for Mercedes’ improvements! Again.
