Adrian Newey admits Lewis Hamilton wooing is flattering as he prepares to leave Red Bull... after seven-time world champion claimed working with the legendary designer is 'top of his wish list'

Adrian Newey on Friday night admitted he is flattered that Lewis Hamilton is trying to woo him to Ferrari. Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for the Scuderia next season and Newey, Formula One’s leading designer, is on the market after announcing this week that he will be leaving Red Bull before his contract was due to expire. ‘He’s top of my wish list.’ Newey, speaking for the first time since news of his impending departure was made public, responded by saying: ‘It was very kind of Lewis to say that, but at the moment I’m just taking a bit of a break and we’ll see what happens next.’ Mail Sport understands Ferrari have definitely spoken to Newey about moving there, but have yet to close the deal. Adrian Newey admitted that Lewis Hamilton's compliments were very flattering The seven-time world champion said that working with the designer was 'top of his wish list' Newey flew out to Miami to join team principal Christian Horner after confirmation of his impending Red Bull exit Newey’s exit is a further bump for Red Bull following the scandal that engulfed team principal Christian Horner over allegedly sending coercive texts to a female colleague. There comes a point, as Forrest Gump said, “I’m feeling a little bit tired.” Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who drives Newey’s rocket ship, handed Red Bull a boost by insisting he couldn’t be lured away to Mercedes even for £150m a year.