Lewis Hamilton has called on Adrian Newey to move to Ferrari next year, saying it would be a "privilege" to work with him.
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Newey, considered the greatest Formula One technical mastermind of his generation, will be a free agent next year after Red Bull confirmed he is set to end his association with the team.
Mercedes star Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari next season, was asked ahead of this weekend's Miami Grand Prix how much he would like Newey to make the switch too.
"Very much," Hamilton replied, before adding: "Adrian Newey has got such a great history and track record and he has done an amazing job through his career. With the knowledge he has, he would be an amazing addition."
Hamilton added: "Ferrari have got a great team and they are making huge progress and their car is quicker this year, but it would be a privilege to work with him.
"If I was to do a list of people I would like to work with, then he would absolutely be at the top of it.
"Any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him."
Newey, who has played a significant role in 13 drivers' world championships and a dozen constructors' titles, is free to join another team when he leaves Red Bull in the first quarter of next year, possibly before the opening round in Australia in March.
McLaren and Mercedes are believed not to be interested in signing Newey while it is understood he is unlikely to join Aston Martin, leaving Ferrari as the front-runner.
It would pave the way for the 65-year-old to have a major impact on the next change in regulations in 2026 - which is due to mark Hamilton's second season with the Italian giants as he pursues a record eighth title.
Newey's first championship success arrived in 1992 when Nigel Mansell crushed the opposition in his all-conquering Williams.
Titles for Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve all followed for the British team before Newey was persuaded by Ron Dennis to move to McLaren in 1997.
One year after Newey joined, and Mika Hakkinen was celebrating the first of successive titles. Newey then moved to Red Bull, one season before Hamilton made his debut in 2007.
"From my perspective when I joined McLaren it was an evolution of his car," added Hamilton, 39.
"I got there just after he left and the car had evolved from his concept so I felt privileged I could touch something he had worked on."
Australian Associated Press
