Leclerc: Newey would make the difference in winning Titles

Newey, Oracle Red Bull Racing's Chief Technical Officer for the past 18 years who was instrumental in the design of all six of the team's Constructors' Titles, sensationally decided to leave following a potentially souring relationship with Team Principal Christian Horner.

The legendary designer, who will be present at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix with Red Bull, will depart the Milton Keynes-based outfit after the first quarter of 2025.

Tongues have been wagging about Newey's next destination, with many speculating that he could follow Lewis Hamilton to Scuderia Ferrari and ignite their Championship charge for 2025 and beyond. Aston Martin, Mercedes and even Williams have expressed interest in signing the 65-year-old's services as well, but it is believed that Newey is not fascinated by a move to at least the first two of the aforementioned outfits.

Ferrari have failed to win a Championship since 2008, but have come close to claiming the Title on numerous occasions in the meantime. Under Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur from 2022, the team based in Maranello, Italy have been the only team other than the dominant Red Bull to win a Grand Prix in the last 28 race weekends.

With Newey potentially as their chief designer for 2025, Ferrari could make that crucial final step up the running order to winning races on a consistent basis and win Championships. This is a view held by one of the team's drivers, Monegasque racer Charles Leclerc.

Asked whether the project that Vasseur is now leading will convince Newey to join, Leclerc said: "For sure, I think I've said in the last eight to nine months already, I think we're in a very good moment for the team."

"Fred has always shared with me what was his medium to long term vision of the team, I have shared with him what I thought also was the right thing, and it's going really, really well. I'm really happy with how it's going", added the Ferrari driver while speaking to media in Miami.

With regards to the impact that Newey could have on Ferrari's competitiveness, Leclerc continued: "And I think we are in a good place to attract the best people in the world. We are a really, really good team already. But whatever, and whoever can come to make it even stronger is super important."

"And Adrian is one of those guys that can make a difference. Adding Adrian to a team like this will be amazing."

The Miami Grand Prix will commence Sunday May 5th at 21:00 BST (16:00 local time).