A Formula 1 race winner has presented an intriguing theory regarding Lewis Hamilton and Adrian Newey ahead of the seven-time world champion's switch to Ferrari.
Hamilton announced earlier this year that he is set to end his long-term association with Mercedes and make the switch to the Italian outfit for 2025 and beyond.
Whilst Hamilton's move looked like a masterstroke earlier in the season, with Ferrari looking quick and Mercedes struggling, in recent times, those roles have been somewhat reversed.
This has led to questions over whether or not the seven-time champion could have regrets regarding his decision.
However, former F1 driver and Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert has presented an intriguing theory, suggesting Hamilton has made the right call, and that he must have spoken to Ferrari about potentially snapping up Newey alongside himself before joining the team, insisting that there has got to be 'something going on'.
"At the time it was the right decision for him! Mercedes were not looking very good and the mood was dark. The car wasn’t competitive at all. Ferrari were doing better. It was also an opportunity to reset in that quest for an eighth world title," Herbert explained on Hamilton's Ferrari move, via TopOffShoreSportsBooks.com.
"Mercedes have surprised everybody in how quickly they have turned around that car. Good on them. It is very impressive what they have been able to do. Everyone is saying positive things about the Merc and that they are ahead of the game for 2026 with the power unit.
"I think it is still probably the right thing for Lewis to do and see if Adrian Newey joins him.
"I am sure it is something that must have been spoken about when he made the announcement that he was leaving to join Ferrari.
"There has got to be something going on. Lewis comes with a massive amount of positive baggage. When he opens that bag the respect is huge. The aura he will bring into the factory is very powerful.
"The way he works within a team will be a huge positive and a motivation for everyone. A driver has that power to change things."