The main topic of discussion leading up to the 2024 Miami Grand Prix is the departure of Formula 1’s most renowned designer from Red Bull. It is widely believed that this designer has signed a contract with Ferrari and will be responsible for creating the team’s car for the 2026 season.
The news of Newey’s move to Maranello, following in the footsteps of Hamilton, is expected to be officially announced by Ferrari after the Miami Grand Prix. It comes as no surprise that the Mercedes driver was bombarded with questions regarding the saga surrounding Newey’s departure from Red Bull.
During the FIA-hosted F1 drivers press conference prior to the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked about the prospect of working with Newey. He expressed admiration for Newey’s impressive track record and his ability to engage with teams and share his extensive knowledge. Hamilton believes that Newey would be a valuable addition to Ferrari, a team that is already making significant strides forward this year. He expressed his privilege at the opportunity to work with Newey in the future.
When questioned about whether Newey played a role in his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, Hamilton declined to provide details, stating that it was a private conversation. However, he did acknowledge that Newey would be at the top of his list of people he would love to work with.
As for the reality of Newey joining Ferrari, Hamilton remained tight-lipped, saying, “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
When asked about the impact of Red Bull losing Newey after their two-decade partnership, Hamilton shared his perspective from his time at McLaren. He joined the team shortly after Newey’s departure but had the privilege of driving a car that had evolved from Newey’s concept. While acknowledging the challenge of racing against a team so closely associated with Newey, Hamilton emphasized the importance of recognizing the collective effort of a team rather than relying solely on one individual. He expressed confidence in Red Bull’s ability to continue building great cars and stated that any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Newey.
At the age of 39, Hamilton is one of the most experienced drivers on the racing grid, second only to his long-standing rival Fernando Alonso. However, he has only competed for two teams in the top tier of racing – McLaren and Mercedes. Therefore, his upcoming move to Maranello in 2025, which was announced a year in advance, is uncharted territory for him.
“This is a completely new situation for me,” reflected Hamilton. “It’s a unique scenario. On one hand, I’m incredibly excited to join my new team and work with my colleagues. On the other hand, I’m also excited about what the future holds. It’s been great to see the positive response from fans, as I’m now interacting with supporters from both teams.”
“However, at this moment, my loyalty still lies with Mercedes. I am determined to continue performing at my best and elevate the team. This is not just my job, but also my personal goal for this year. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, I am proud of the unity and resilience of everyone I work with.”
“I truly believe that things will improve and I remain hopeful for the rest of the year,” Hamilton added optimistically, even though he is currently enduring a third consecutive season without a victory in sight.
Regardless of the presence of Newey or not, Hamilton eagerly anticipates his move to Ferrari. With a struggling Mercedes this season, he can’t wait for the change. He hopes that this move will reignite his winning streak in Formula 1, allowing him to secure his 104th Grand Prix victory and potentially clinch his long-awaited eighth world championship.