Adrian Newey is understood to have held talks with Ferrari this week after being released from his Red Bull contract early — a departure that was confirmed by the world championship-winning team on Wednesday.

A move to Italy would bring Formula One’s most successful designer into partnership with Lewis Hamilton, who is joining the Scuderia from Mercedes next year.

The Newey deal has yet to be done, but well-informed contacts suggest Ferrari want the 65-year-old to act as their ‘super consultant’. He currently earns £15million a year and could double his salary.


 

It is expected he would start in time to have a pivotal hand in the development of the next generation of Ferrari cars ahead of a major revamp of the regulations in 2026.

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reported Newey spoke to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur in London on Tuesday — a story indicated to be correct to Mail Sport. We can further reveal that several key F1 figures were in London this week, including Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.


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Red Bull have confirmed the imminent departure of F1’s most successful designer Adrian Newey

Team chief Christian Horner (pictured with wife Geri Halliwell) will have to do without the mastermind behind Red Bull's design
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Team chief Christian Horner (pictured with wife Geri Halliwell) will have to do without the mastermind behind Red Bull’s design

Newey is a legendary F1 designer and could take his services to Ferrari after his departure
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Newey is a legendary F1 designer and could take his services to Ferrari after his departure