Adrian Newey to Ferrari isn’t as of a ‘done deal’ as being propagated. In recent weeks, Aston Martin has been winning the tug-of-war after billionaire Lawrence Stroll facilitated a private tour of their new headquarters for the technical mastermind. However, more than the nitty-gritty of the contract offers, how either organization conforms to Newey’s style could be the deciding factor.

Starting October 1, two important Mercedes men will begin working at Ferrari, following in Lewis Hamilton‘s footsteps. The Silver Arrows’ Driver Development Director Jerome d’Ambrosio will join the Scuderia as Deputy Principal. Performance Director Loic Serra will take on the role of Ferrari’s Head of Chassis Performance Engineering. With such major changes in line, former Ferrari Sporting Director Cesare Fiorio has highlighted a possible lack of compatibility for Adrian Newey.

“As soon as it became known that he was leaving Red Bull, there was a sort of auction,” Fiorio told Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by FormulaPassion. “I believe that Newey will choose his team of engine engineers and aerodynamicists wherever he goes, even if he is good as a soloist,” he added. Though the 85-year-old raised doubts over Newey’s move, like many others, he prays for it to come true.

“I don’t know if he’ll come to Ferrari, but it would be nice to see him work alongside Lewis Hamilton at Maranello. I’d love to,” he concluded. These predictions and opinions will continue till September, at least. Red Bull’s exit agreement doesn’t allow Newey to announce a switch to another team before then. But his close friend and Top Gear host, Jeremy Clarkson, has hilariously stirred the pot.

Jeremy Clarkson’s “house hunting” hint at Adrian Newey’s F1 future

Ahead of the British GP, Adrian Newey revealed his vacation shenanigans and declared the winter break as his final deadline to announce his next F1 team. Currently, the Briton continues to work on Red Bull’s RB17 Hypercar. While the rumors over his future swirl around without any catalyst, at the British GP, Jeremy Clarkson added to the noise.

“Do you want an exclusive?” Clarkson asked a reporter doing the British GP grid walk. “I know Adrian Newey is house hunting in Oxfordshire, not Maranello,” he said without any prompting. If this is true, it means Ferrari, based in Maranello, Italy, is already ruled out of the equation.

The Williams F1 team, which Newey has been linked with, is based in Grove, Oxfordshire. So F1’s most successful car designer, who spends time between South Africa, where his wife Amanda is from, and the UK, could still shockingly end up at Williams. Even Alpine and Haas are based there with the Aston Martin HQ not far away in Silverstone. Which destination would you put your money on? Share in the comments below.