MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The jostling for superstar technical director Adrian Newey was rampant through the Formula 1 paddock on Thursday, a day after the champion car builder announced he will leave Red Bull early next year.
Among those undisturbed by the speculation was Max Verstappen, the three-time reigning world champion who is signed with Red Bull through 2028 and not ready to reveal if he is interested in following Newey out the door.
“My future is within Red Bull at the moment,” he said.
He is one of the few not openly courting Newey.
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who has already said he will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari next year, was asked at the Miami Grand Prix “how much would you like to see Adrian Newey at Ferrari next year?”
The British driver gave a coy smile and stated simply: “very much.”
Newey, who is 65, is regarded as the greatest designer in series history. In total, he has won 13 drivers’ championships and 12 constructors’ titles with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, where he has been since 2006.