Sorrow for Ferrari and Hamilton: 'They'll be licking their wounds'

The rumour mill was in full swing as soon as Newey confirmed his departure from Red Bull Racing ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Many teams were quickly mentioned, but Ferrari appeared to be the front-runner. Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was always highly anticipated, but the rumours helped increase the hype dramatically. 

After a few months, though, it became clear Ferrari were not going to lure the designer to the Italian team. Instead, Newey was attracted to the Lawrence Stroll's project at Aston Martin. “I think it’s a marvellous opportunity for him [Adrian Newey]," Mansell told TopOffShoreSportsBooks.

Should Newey have gone to Aston Martin? 

Mansell thinks Newey has made a smart decision to leave Ferrari alone. "I think the fact that he’s gone to Aston Martin is so wise because he won’t get caught up in the politics of Ferrari and the hype that goes with that. I think Ferrari should be licking their wounds a little bit because they should have got him, but all credit to Aston Martin," Mansell added.

"I think what he can do at Aston Martin could be his biggest achievement to come yet because I think he can turn that team around very quickly. I think next year they’re going to be even more competitive than what they’ve been this year."

Coincidence or not, Red Bull Racing haven't been dominant since Newey announced his exit. Mansell believes this can be pinned on the designer. "And Red Bull, they’ve already just demonstrated without him, they’ve lost their dominance. What’s the one thing that they’ve lost? Adrian Newey,” Mansell concluded.