Either Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso will miss out on a dream link-up when legendary Red Bull designer Adrian Newey decides on his next step.
Newey, 65, is set to leave Red Bull after close to 20 years, and has already prepared to take a step back from F1 duties. He has indicated he won't be rushed into his next move, but a long and distinguished career has earned him plenty of fans.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton is one of those fans, as is two-time winner Alonso. And it just so happens that Alonso's Aston Martin team and Ferrari - where Hamilton will be in 2025 - have been touted as potential destinations.
Both have gone public on their desire to work with the Red Bull maestro, who is due to depart in early 2025. Naturally, though, that means one of the two will be denied that opportunity.
"I always wanted to work with him once in my life," Alonso admitted when asked about Newey ahead of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix. "I respect him a lot. I consider him the best probably F1 ever had, a legend of the sport.
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"I feel in a way privileged to drive alongside him in the paddock, obviously as a competitor, but I feel lucky to be part of his journey and he was part of my journey as well because he always competed against his cars."
Alonso won his two world titles in 2005 and 2006, with Newey joining Red Bull during that period. The Spaniard's Aston Martin team offered Newey a big-money contract in April, in what was considered an attempt to coax him away from Red Bull, but no decision has been made on that front.
Where will Adrian Newey move next? Have your say in the comments section
Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin team could yet land Adrian Newey (Getty Images)Hamilton was similarly complimentary in his assessment of the designer. "Adrian's got such a great history, track record, and he's obviously just done an amazing job throughout his career in engaging with teams and the knowledge that he has," the 39-year-old said.
"I think he would be an amazing addition [to Ferrari]. I think they've already got a great team, they're already making huge progress and strides forward -- their car is quicker this year -- but yeah it would be a privilege to work with him."
Newey, for his part, is in no rush to jump into another role when he leaves Red Bull. "This year, I'm in a very lucky position where I don't need to work to live," he said.
"I work because I enjoy it. And as I say, I just felt that now is a good time to to step back and take a bit of a break and take stock of life and go travelling a bit.
"Formula 1 is all-consuming. I've been at it for a long time now. 2021 was a really busy year because of the tight battle with Mercedes through the championship and at the same time putting all the research and development into the [RB]18, which was the father of this generation of cars. Then, I don't know, there comes a point where, as Forrest Gump said, I'm feeling a little bit tired."
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