BAKU, Sept 12 (Askume) – Lewis Hamilton said star designer Adrian Newey’s decision to join Aston Martin instead of Ferrari changed nothing for him. The seven-time Formula One world champion Newey will race with Ferrari next season.
Aston Martin announced on Tuesday that Newey, 65, will join as a managing technical partner and shareholder in March next year after a long association with champions Red Bull. Ferrari is also keen to sign him.
Asked by reporters at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Thursday if he was disappointed to miss the opportunity to work with the sport’s leading designer, the most successful driver replied “honestly, no”.
“As I said before, it would be great to work with Adrian and I feel I am fortunate enough to have worked for two championship-winning teams without Adrian,” he added.
“I think probably any team would be happy to have him, but ultimately he has to do what’s best for him. It doesn’t change me or my will or my focus on what happens next, so we’re still 100 percent confident. There are a lot of things we can do.”
Newey-designed cars have won 25 drivers’ and constructors’ championships for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. His 2023 Red Bull Racing team has 21 wins in 22 races, the most impressive win haul in the sport’s history.
Red Bull championship boss Max Verstappen told reporters that although he did not believe the team’s recent troubles were related to Newey’s departure, he believed the designer was someone “everyone wants to work with”.
The three-time Dutch world champion said: “Adrian and I have great chemistry. I sent him a message after the news broke, even though I knew it was coming. So I’m happy for him, you know, for the new challenge that presents.
“I’ve always said I want him to stay here, but sometimes you can’t change these things, so you get excited about people who want a new challenge.”
Asked if he would consider moving to Aston Martin in the future, Verstappen said he is currently worried about other issues.
“Maybe I’m thinking about the future, but not right now,” he said.
