Adrian Newey finds himself at the center of Formula 1’s gossip mill, with many suggesting a potential partnership with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
However, Karun Chandhok advises Newey against succumbing to this allure, urging him to resist the pull of joining Hamilton at Ferrari as he departs from Red Bull. The 65-year-old design wizard reportedly seeks fresh challenges following the internal strife at Red Bull this season.
Regarded by many as the foremost technical genius in F1 history, Newey has been the architect behind Red Bull’s cars since his arrival in 2005. Nonetheless, recent upheavals, including the controversy involving Christian Horner, have left Newey feeling unsettled.
Despite being under contract until 2025, Newey is allegedly confident in his ability to negotiate an early exit if needed. While his next destination remains uncertain, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes are reportedly vying for his expertise.
Responding to the startling news, Chandhok took to X (formerly Twitter) to propose an enticing scenario, suggesting Newey’s potential move to Aston Martin alongside Fernando Alonso could be a dream come true.
“Imagine if we had Lewis at Ferrari, Max going to Mercedes, and Adrian Newey going to Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso,” Chandhok mused. “Fans’ dream! Just the shake-up F1 would need to break the current dominant cycle.”
Aston Martin, at the behest of billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, is said to have extended an offer to Newey. Reports earlier this year hinted at a lucrative contract, although its current status remains unclear.
Stroll’s ambition to elevate Aston Martin into championship contenders by 2026 aligns with his pursuit of Newey’s talents. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s interest in Newey persists, despite previous unsuccessful attempts to secure his services.
When questioned about his future at the recent Japanese Grand Prix, Newey remained coy. While expressing his continued passion for F1, he stopped short of confirming whether he intends to conclude his career at Red Bull.
He stated: “I enjoy it. Ever since I was 10 or so, certainly by 12, I wanted to be a designer. I don’t think I knew the word ‘engineer’. [I want to stay] in motor racing and ideally in Formula One. That’s what I put all my teenage years towards.
“I managed to get that first job in motor racing when I graduated. I’ve hugely enjoyed it and I continue to enjoy it. So, I think as long as I continue to enjoy it and the team wants me then I’ll continue to do it for the moment and then we’ll have to see in the future. I don’t tend to plan too far forward.”
