Ferrari’s chances of signing Formula 1 design genius Adrian Newey have reportedly ‘receded significantly’, in a major blow for Sir Lewis Hamilton.
It was announced back in May that Newey would be leaving Red Bull after 18 highly successful years as their chief technical officer.
The 65-year-old is widely considered the greatest car designer in F1 history, helping Williams, McLaren and Red Bull to win 13 drivers’ titles and 12 constructors’ titles.
As such, what he does next is the subject of huge interest, with the top teams on the grid interested in acquiring his services, though he will only become available next March.
Newey has previously shared regret at never having worked for Ferrari or with seven-time champion Hamilton, two dreams that could be realised next year if he joins the Scuderia.
Hamilton has signed a long-term contract with the legendary Italian team, partnering Charles Leclerc from 2025 onwards, and also spoke of his desire to team up with Newey.
‘If I was to do a list of people I would love to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it. Any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him,’ the Mercedes driver said in May.
‘He’s got such a great story, track record, just done such an amazing job through his career. I think he’d be an amazing addition. Ferrari have a great team already, but it would be a privilege to work with him.’
Getting Newey onboard would seem like a match made in heaven, but BBC Sport say that the chances of that happening have ‘receded significantly’ due to his potential wage demands.
Newey has been earning around £10million-a-year at Red Bull, a figure Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has reportedly baulked at, while there is also concern that the designer would have too much power over the team.
As mentioned, there is plenty of interest in the designer from rivals, with Aston Martin now looking like Newey’s most likely destination.
Like Ferrari, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is looking to assemble the best in the business to catapult the British team into championship contention and it is said they recently gave Newey a ‘secret’ tour of their new factory.
Moreover, as well as Hamilton, Newey has also expressed regret over never working with two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who earlier this season extended his contract with Aston Martin until the end of 2026.
They themselves have looked to play down speculation surrounding Newey, with a spokesperson telling PlanetF1: ‘The Aston Martin Aramco F1 team is a very appealing project with Lawrence Stroll’s vision, a state-of-the-art new Technology Campus and exciting partnerships with Aramco and Honda.
‘Many high-profile individuals across all areas of the team are linked to the project but we don’t have anything to announce.’
For now, teams and drivers are gearing up for this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with Hamilton looking to achieve back-to-back wins having ended his long wait for a victory at Silverstone.
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