20 May 2024 , 11:35
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Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton might be facing his first setback as a Ferrari driver even before he's officially started with the team.
And his loss may prove to be a gain for Lando Norris, who could be set to benefit from the twist. That's after F1 expert Peter Windsor hinted Adrian Newey - who is set to leave Red Bull at the end of the season - might opt for McLaren over Ferrari.
The move would represent a significant shake-up in the F1 world, especially following speculation strongly linking Newey with Ferrari. The formation of a new superpower at Maranello grew following rumours that Mercedes ace Hamilton's anticipated start in red will coincide with Newey joining him in Italy.
But Windsor believes there are three solid reasons why McLaren could be Newey's next choice. He shared his insights on his official YouTube channel (via the Daily Express) following Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Norris secured a commendable second place behind Max Verstappen.
"That was the new Lando Norris. He's super competitive now, and he's going to win more grands prix, absolutely no doubt," Windsor commented, praising Norris's performance. "The way he's driving. The way McLaren are going as well. Just brilliant.
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"Imagine if Adrian Newey goes to McLaren as well. A lot of people saying over the weekend that he's a shoo-in to go to Ferrari, but he could go to McLaren. It all adds up - [former chief Red Bull engineer] Rob Marshall is there, big mates with [team principal] Zak Brown, [former colleague and engineer] Pete Prod [Peter Prodromou].
"Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri [are] not a bad team of drivers at all! Very near Adrian's home in the UK. Easy life - go racing historic cars with Zak as well - it would be fun."
Peter Windsor believes Adrian Newey could McLaren ahead of the Prancing Pony (Kym Illman/Getty Images)Marshall, 56, made a move to Red Bull in 2006 around the time Newey, 65, also jumped ship. The pair spearheaded the project that catapulted the Milton Keynes giants to the head of F1, which bodes well for McLaren's chances if they did reunite in Woking.
Newey also had a long-standing work relationship with aerodynamicist Prodromou from their time together in the 1990s at McLaren, before they both made the jump to Red Bull in 2006. Prodromou since returned to his old employer in 2014, but one might assume Newey has some inclination to link up with his former colleague after spending a decade in competition.
Hamilton will depart Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of 2024 (Getty)Not only would that link-up damage Hamilton's prospects in Italy, but Verstappen's reign of dominance could be at risk, too. After all, Norris has become his most credible on-track threat this season, and the pieces are forming for McLaren to move onto that next stage in their hopes of challenging F1's current overlords.
The perception is that Newey - who's played such a prominent role in Red Bull's triumphs over the past decade and more - could indeed be the secret weapon to kickstart a new powerhouse capable of competing for titles. And Windsor clearly believes McLaren possesses all the necessary building blocks to become that challenger.
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