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Ex-F1 driver claims wherever Adrian Newey goes ‘that team wins’ amidst Ferrari rumors

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated 4/29/24

Adrian Newey has spearheaded Red Bull’s success in F1 ever since he joined Milton Keynes in 2005. Before working for the Austrian team, Newey was instrumental in the success of Williams and McLaren. Now, rumors have emerged that the Briton could be looking to join Ferrari soon. Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese reckoned that the 65-year-old would bring success to Maranello.

Patrese had worked with Adrian Newey during their time at Williams three decades ago. Newey’s departure from Grove was believed to be a reason behind Williams’ downfall. The Italian driver highlighted his strong bond with the 65-year-old back at the British team. However, Riccardo Patrese claimed that the Briton was happy with his home in Great Britain. This could make it difficult for the Scuderia to convince the aero-genius to move to Italy.

I know him personally very well, we are friends from my time at Williams, and I know he loves his home in Britain very much. That's why I don't know if he would leave Red Bull and go to Ferrari. Riccardo Patrese told Gazzetta dello Sport

The Italian driver reckoned that he would be happy if Newey decided to join Maranello for the future. It is believed that Ferrari is willing to give the 65-year-old 50% more than his current paycheck. Patrese claimed that wherever Adrian Newey had gone in his career, that team emerged as a title contender.

I would be content if he does go to Ferrari, though, because I can then see him more often in Italy - and where he goes, that team wins. Riccardo Patrese stated

Riccardo Patrese urges Ferrari to ‘do everything’ to sign Adrian Newey

Adrian Newey’s presence could pay dividends to any team on the grid. It is no surprise that even Aston Martin reportedly tried to lure the Briton. Moreover, it is rumored that Newey will meet Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff at the Miami GP. As such, Ferrari would face stiff competition in signing the 65-year-old if he does leave Red Bull.

Patrese claimed that the Scuderia must do everything possible to acquire Adrian Newey’s services. The Italian labeled Newey as the ‘king’ of engineers in Formula 1. Despite taking a step back from day-to-day involvement at Red Bull, the 65-year-old guidance remain the key reason for Milton Keynes’ dominance in recent years.

Without a doubt, they have to do everything possible to hire him, he is the king of engineers. If Adrian comes, we will win. Riccardo Patrese asserted

Certainly, Adrian Newey will be the talk of the F1 paddock in the coming weeks. However, Red Bull has declared that the 65-year-old is under contract till at least the end of 2025. Teams would still be ready to try their luck to poach Newey if he truly wants to depart Milton Keynes. It remains to be seen where the Briton is headed for the coming years.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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