Adrian Newey Gets Lewis Hamilton Treatment as John Elkann Delivers Brutal Reality Check for Ferrari Fans

Adrian Newey’s Ferrari deal might not come through anytime soon. The 65-year-old aero-engineer will leave his Red Bull duties at the end of 2024, which made some fans conclude that the Scuderia will take him up now. However, the team’s CEO John Elkann gave an evasive answer when asked about the possibility of Newey joining his squad. The Italian revealed the decision depends on multiple factors. He even pulled up Lewis Hamilton’s example to explain how Ferrari’s, as well as the 7-time World Champion’s intents, had to intersect to finally lead to their contract.

As one of F1’s most successful engineers, Adrian Newey has played a role in the rise of Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. But the Briton never got to serve the oldest team of Formula 1 with the highest number of World Championships – Ferrari. When he announced his departure from Christian Horner‘s team, rampant speculations claimed the Maranello outfit would recruit him. The Scuderia has already signed with Lewis Hamilton for his experience. If they rope in Newey as well, their winning chances in 2025 will increase by leaps and bounds.

However, the Ferrari fans might be in for some disappointment. According to Elkann, Adrian Newey’s supposed job at his team will only happen after ‘many evaluations’. While speaking of the progress of the Maranello outfit’s talks with the aerodynamics maestro, John Elkann told Corriere Della Sera, “You have to find the right moment to do things, as happened with Hamilton. With him there was a convergence of intent that allowed us to work together. There are many possibilities, Newey or others, you have to evaluate carefully if the conditions are there.”

As Ferrari’s last World Championship win happened way back in 2008, the Tifosi badly need a victory now. Pairing the most successful aerodynamics expert with arguably the best driver in recent times might achieve that. And as a legacy squad with endless resources, the Scuderia can acquire this dream. But as John Elkann said, he does not want to rush into a deal with Adrian Newey. Rather, he is waiting to see if the Briton matches Ferrari’s outlook. But why did he say Newey’s hiring situation has to be similar to Lewis Hamilton’s?

Lewis Hamilton’s shocking Ferrari switch can lead the path for Adrian Newey

As the only Formula 1 racer with 103 Grand Prix wins, Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly the most sought-after driver on the grid. With his contract with Mercedes coming to an end this year, the 39-year-old has decided to take up a role as Ferrari’s recruit. As John Elkann said, Lewis’ intent, perhaps to win his eighth World Drivers’ Championship, lined up with the Maranello squad’s wish to get a World Constructors’ Championship victory after 16 long years.

In Adrian Newey’s case, the Briton has already won three World Championships with his Red Bull cars in the last three years. Therefore, his desire to win even more F1 titles might not be as strong as Lewis Hamilton’s. Elkann wants to evaluate this metric before going for a contract with Newey. Thus, as per the Italian, Hamilton’s Ferrari contract can lead the way to Newey’s recruitment if only their philosophies match.

Coming to the question of Ferrari’s current position in F1 2024, the situation is not encouraging. Their recruit, Charles Leclerc, lost his #2 position on the Drivers’ Standings after the Spanish GP. Moreover, the Scuderia is now at the threat of losing its position on the Constructors’ Standings to McLaren. So, will the papaya army be able close the gap of 26 points and surpass Ferrari in the Championship? Let us know what you think in the comments below.