Leclerc hopeful over Newey signing amid Ferrari title drought

Charles Leclerc has reacted to the prospect of working with Adrian Newey following the Briton's departure from Red Bull.

The reigning world champions confirmed earlier this week that Newey will exit the organisation in the first quarter of 2025.

Ferrari is reported to have signalled its interest in the renowned technical designer, while RacingNews365 also understands that Williams is an option.

Lewis Hamilton has voiced his desire to work with Newey at Ferrari next year, with Leclerc also keen to see the situation unfold.

“I would obviously be very happy,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

“I think Adrian is one of those guys in the paddock that you hope to be working with one day in your career.

“We have an incredible team in Ferrari at the moment. In the last seven to eight months, we are the team that has progressed the most.

“However, adding Adrian to a team like this would be amazing.”

Ferrari gains

Ferrari has made a strong improvement across the winter break, consistently scoring podiums, as well as a race win, across the opening rounds.

The Italian squad is seeking its first world championship since the 2008 campaign.

Leclerc is confident Ferrari's newfound gains this year can help convince Newey to join the squad, who the Monegasque driver has backed to “make the difference” at the team.

“For sure,” he stated. “I think we’ve been in a very good moment for the team – we are in a good spiral.

“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.

“It’s going really, really well, I’m really happy with how it goes. I think we are in a good place to attract the best people in the world.

“However, I have said it already, but we are a really, really good team already. In the last seven to eight months we have done incredible progress.

“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.”