F1 fans are convinced Lewis Hamilton has 'confirmed' Adrian Newey's next move ahead of Red Bull exit

F1 fans are convinced Lewis Hamilton has dropped a major hint regarding Adrian Newey's future.

Newey, the most successful car designer in the history of the sport, announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving Red Bull after nearly two decades at the team.

The 65-year-old will leave in 2025 after securing an early release from his role as chief technical officer.

While rumours have since circulated that his exit was linked to the uproar surrounding Christian Horner and allegations of improper conduct, Newey has insisted he has been thinking about the exit for some time.

“I guess (I was thinking about it) over the winter a little bit, and then as events have unfolded this year I thought, I’m in a very lucky position where I don’t need to work to live. I work because I enjoy it," he told Sky Sports' Martin Brundle.

“I just felt that now was a good time to step back and take a bit of a break and take stock of life, and go travelling a bit.”

Rumours are now circulating regarding his next move in the sport, with Hamilton being one of the big names to comment on the possibility of the pair linking up at Ferrari.

When asked on the official F1 TikTok account whether or not he could partner with Newey in the future, Hamilton said: "If I was to do a list of people I'd like to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it."

He was then pushed for an answer on the chances of it happening, he added: "I mean, I don't know! We'll see." The seven-time world champion smiled as he answered - which has been taken as a sign.

Fans are now convinced this was a massive hint from Hamilton that Newey could be joining him at Ferrari, with one writing: "He freaking knowsss!!! that smirk in the end confirms Newey to Ferrari!"

Another added: "That would be a great collaboration." Other fans are also speculating that Hamilton was aware of Newey's availability before he made his decision to join Ferrari. "Lewis was already aware of the bids before Ferrari convinced him," one fan said.