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Newey declines Ferrari; Hamilton and Leclerc undeterred

Hamilton and Leclerc ‘not disappointed’ that Newey isn’t joining Ferrari

13/09/2024

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton remain confident in Ferrari’s direction despite Adrian Newey’s decision not to join, stating it doesn’t alter their focus or the Scuderia’s objectives.

Charles Leclerc is convinced that Ferrari couldn’t persuade Adrian Newey to lead their technical team. The Monegasque driver isn’t disappointed that the engineer decided to stay elsewhere and reminds everyone that the Scuderia has other assets in its technical department.

“Let’s say I’m not disappointed. I would be disappointed if we hadn’t tried or if we hadn’t spoken with Adrian,” assures Leclerc. “We spoke with Adrian. In the end, he made his choice, and I fully respect his decision.”

“At Ferrari, we’ve always placed more importance on the group than on a single individual. Of course, Adrian Newey is Adrian Newey, and he’s incredible for everything he’s achieved. But we have incredible individuals at Ferrari.”

“I believe in the group. I’m sure we have the right team to get back to the top. But again, I respect Adrian’s decision. I wish him the best, but I hope Ferrari comes out on top. Once again, we have an extraordinary group, and I have no doubt that in the future we’ll have an extremely strong team. I’m very happy with our structure.”

“Obviously, it’s Fred’s job [Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team principal] to try to put the team in the best possible position to win races, and I trust Fred 200% and completely agree with his vision.”

“It’s an ongoing process to improve Ferrari over the years, and we’re in the middle of that process. But I’m very happy with how he sees things and what he’s doing.”

Newey “at the top of the list” for Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has expressed that he would have liked to work with Newey: “Adrian has such a history, such a track record, and he’s done an extraordinary job throughout his career by engaging with teams and utilizing his knowledge. I think he would be an extraordinary addition.”

“I think they already have a great team. They’re making huge progress and advancements. Their car is faster this year. But yes, it would be a privilege to work with him. If I had to make a list of people I’d like to work with, he’d absolutely be at the top.”

However, the Briton assures he’s not frustrated that Newey is staying elsewhere: “Honestly, no. I feel that even though I’ve said it would be an honor to work with Adrian, I’ve had the privilege of working with two championship teams that didn’t have Adrian.”

“I think any team would have been happy to have him. But in the end, he had to do what’s best for him. That doesn’t change anything for me. It doesn’t alter my goal or my focus on what’s ahead. So I continue to believe 100% that we can achieve a lot.”

Newey declines Ferrari; Hamilton and Leclerc undeterred Newey declines Ferrari; Hamilton and Leclerc undeterred

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