Adrian Newey admits Lewis Hamilton wooing is flattering as he prepares to leave Red Bull… after seven-time world champion claimed working with the legendary designer is ‘top of his wish list’
- The 65-year-old confirmed this week that he would be leaving the England team
- Newey has been linked with an advisory role at Ferrari, but no deal has been submitted
- Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season to join the Scuderia
Adrian Newey admitted on Friday evening that he is flattered that Lewis Hamilton is trying to lure him to Ferrari.
Hamilton will leave Mercedes for the Scuderia next season and Newey, Formula 1’s leading designer, is on the market after announcing this week that he will leave Red Bull before his contract expires.
Before the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked whether he would welcome the opportunity to work with the 65-year-old Newey. “Very much,” he replied. “It’s at the top of my wish list.”
Newey, speaking for the first time since news of his impending departure was made public, responded by saying: “It was very nice of Lewis to say that, but right now I’m going to take a break and we’ll do it. ‘ see what happens next.’
Mail Sport understands that Ferrari has certainly spoken to Newey about the move there, but has yet to close the deal.
Adrian Newey (pictured) admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s compliments were very flattering
The seven-time world champion said working with the designer was ‘top of his wishlist’
Newey flew to Miami to join team boss Christian Horner (right) after confirming his impending departure from Red Bull
Newey’s departure is a further bump for Red Bull following the scandal that engulfed team boss Christian Horner over allegedly sending coercive text messages to a female colleague. He was acquitted in an internal investigation, a verdict that is still being appealed.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while – over the winter and when the events happened this year,” explains Newey, who earns £15 million.
‘I’m in the fortunate position that I don’t have to work to live. I work because I enjoy it and I felt this was a good time to take a step back and take stock of life. Maybe at some point I’ll get in the shower and say, “Okay, this will be the next adventure.”
‘Formula 1 consumes everything. I’ve been working on it for a long time. There comes a point, as Forrest Gump said, “I feel a little tired.”
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who is driving Newey’s rocket ship, gave Red Bull a boost by insisting he could not be lured to Mercedes even for £150 million a year.
The reigning world champion put himself ahead of the prize as rumors swirl that he is unhappy with the recent shenanigans.
“My future currently lies with Red Bull,” he said.
Max Verstappen doubled his seat at Red Bull after another rampant qualifying day
Hamilton was only 12th in qualifying for the sprint, with teammate George Russell 11th
‘Even if there were an offer of 150 million, money will not be the distinguishing factor. I am happy with what I already earn. If I knew I was going to be fifth or sixth, I would get pretty grumpy.
“Everyone knows it’s about performance and Toto (Wolff, the Mercedes team boss) knows that.”
The 26-year-old Verstappen 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, teammate George Russell 11th. So much for Mercedes upgrades! Again.