Mercedes attempt to block Lewis Hamilton dream in sensational F1 switch with decision imminent
Lewis Hamilton wants to work with Adrian Newey at Ferrari
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Mercedes are reportedly pushing to snap up Adrian Newey in what would be a huge blow to Lewis Hamilton.
The iconic F1 car designer will be leaving Red Bull next year, bringing an end to his two-decade long stint with the Milton Keynes-based team.
Newey has been credited as a huge reason for Red Bull's two eras of dominance in the sport with Max Verstappen currently enjoying a hugely successful spell.
But it was announced last month that Newey would be leaving his role with Red Bull in early 2025, sparking huge interest up and down the grid.
Lewis Hamilton wants to work with Adrian Newey at Ferrari
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Ferrari have long been linked with the design chief and the announcement of his departure from Red Bull led to huge speculation that a deal was in the works.
Hamilton gave his seal of approval to Newey joining Ferrari as he admitted it would be a dream to work with the 65-year-old.
“If I was to do a list of people I would love to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it,” Hamilton said at the Miami Grand Prix.
“Adrian has such a great history, track record, he has done an amazing job through his career, engaging with teams, the knowledge that he has.
"It would be a privilege to work with him.”
However, Autobild now claim that Mercedes have lodged a mammoth offer to try and entice Newey to the Brackley-based team.
It's claimed that Mercedes are prepared to offer Newey shares worth an incredible £1.1billion in a bid to secure his services.
But Newey is said to have 'reservations about Toto Wolff' as he reportedly feels the Mercedes chief is 'too powerful'.
Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull next year
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The Christian Horner saga earlier this season allegedly played a role in Newey's decision to step down from Red Bull.
And Ralf Schumacher believes the power dynamics at Mercedes with Wolff would also be an issue for Newey.
"Newey is not a politician, he wants to work in peace," he said.
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Mercedes want to bring in Adrian Newey
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"If the harmony in a team is destroyed, he no longer has any desire."
The report adds that a decision on Newey's next role could come 'as early as next week'.
The car designer may not join a new team in time to affect their 2025 car, but he could have a huge impact on the 2026 season.
That year will see the latest set of F1 regulations be implemented with the potential for a huge shake-up on the grid.