Could Newey have joined Hamilton at Ferrari? 'I couldn't do both!'
Adrian Newey has admitted that Ferrari was also an option after his Red Bull exit. The Formula 1 designer discussed this after being confirmed by Aston Martin. The Brit once again admitted that he wants to work with Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time World Champion will move to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Newey had to pick Alonso or Hamilton
Hamilton will wear the red of Ferrari in 2025 and Alonso recently extended his contract at Aston Martin. Both drivers praised Newey and said they would welcome the Brit with open arms. Newey explained that working with Hamilton was in his mind.
"I decided to stay in Formula 1. Ferrari were one of the considerations for sure. I have made no secret of the fact that I wanted to work with Alonso and Lewis. Since they're in different teams, I couldn't do both," Newey told Sky Sports with a smile on his face.
Newey compares Lawrence Stroll to Frank Williams and Ron Dennis
Newey adds that Lawrence Stroll was an important factor. According to Newey, the Canadian takes an old school approach. "For various reasons, particularly Stroll's offer of shareholding, partnership and his commitment. Also the fact he is the only one of the old model of team owners where you have an active team owner like Frank Williams, Ron Dennis and Eddie Jordan. That was the model 20 years ago. Lawrence is the only one of that model now," Newey added.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton
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Forget about working with Hamilton or Alonso! Look at how senior he is in the AM team presently.
Looking at the new organisation chart of AM, Newey reports directly to Lawrence on a difference branch to Andy Cowell, so he doesnt even report to the Group CEO. That is how much power and senoriity he has in the team.
Team Principals and Technical Directors etc are below that, reporting to Adrian and Andy. One person heads the aero and chassis side and the other the engine development side.
This is something that Ferrari is never able to give him.
Imagine, Adrian reporting directly to Elkaan, and Vasseur has to report to him.
No wonder Vasseur put a stop to that negotiations very quickly!
"Newey had to pick Alonso or Hamilton"
Why make such a statement? A couple of lines below that statement Newey, himself contradict it. But even without Newey's statement it would be about clear that it wasn't the choice he made. ?♂️
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