“I would be disappointed if we didn’t try or didn’t speak with Adrian,” said Leclerc. “We spoke with Adrian as a team and at the end he made his choice, and I completely respect the choice of Adrian of going somewhere else.
“In Ferrari, we have always valued the group more than one individual. Of course, Adrian Newey is Adrian Newey and he is incredible for everything he has achieved, but we have incredible individuals in Ferrari and I believe a lot more in the group.
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“I’m sure we have the right team to come back at the top. Again, I respect Adrian’s decision and he will be working alongside one of his favourite drivers, which is Fernando [Alonso], [so] I wish him the best, but I hope that Ferrari will come out on top.”
Also asked to comment on the situation was Lewis Hamilton, who will be moving over from Mercedes to replace Carlos Sainz as Leclerc’s team mate next season.
