We have already discussed several times the case of Adrian Newey in Ferrari, and according to many rumors in the paddock, only the Englishman’s official announcement is missing. However, one must remember a small detail: the gardening expires in 2027.
In addition to the various complications in the driver market, which we have already discussed in several articles, and Newey’s farewell to Red Bull, one last detail must be emphasized to make the wish come true: waiting for the expiration of the “Gardening” dated 2027, in this scenario, envisioning Hamilton still at Ferrari, the seven-time world champion would land at the tender age of 42, paired with master engineer Adrian Newey.
But what is this gardening? How likely is it that Sr. Lewis Hamilton will remain at Ferrari until 2027? Let’s try to clarify things.
Gardening: what is it and what does it involve
The “gardening,” literally translatable as “giardinaggio” in Italian (country where Newey will go), represents the break period that most engineers or team executives in Formula 1 must observe before starting to work with a new team. It’s essentially a sort of “forced unemployment” during which the employee (ready to become former) remains formally on the old team’s staff but is not active in the field.
Why is it so important?
Whether it’s an F1 team or any other company adopting this practice, the goal of “gardening” is to ensure that the employee complies with, among other things, non-compete and confidentiality agreements. In other words, “gardening” becomes one of the few permitted activities in this phase. Hence the name.
As mentioned earlier, it becomes clear that this period becomes essential in the development process of the race cars, especially if an employee (such as Newey) has played a fundamental role in the design and construction. So, temporarily suspending a technician or mechanic who is set to leave the team for 6-12 months could have a significant impact on the championship and not favor competitors.
Returning to the specific case of Newey, his gardening period would only expire in 2027. Considering the time needed to adapt and naturally integrate in order to contribute, it wouldn’t be so straightforward for Ferrari to include him in their plans. With three entire seasons to develop and a technical hierarchy that could be seen as transitional, someone might feel unstable. They are rather harmful situations that we have already encountered in Maranello in the years following the era of Ross Brawn, especially among the Italian and foreign currents. It’s something to protect yourself from. On the other hand, if Newey were available within a maximum of 12 months, he could represent a valuable reinforcement, a mind from which to draw all the genius and experience. Maranello would be willing to offer much more, beyond 50% of its current high salary, and would ensure ample freedom of action.
Hamilton until 2027?
As we have already mentioned, Lewis’ contract is structured as a 2+1 agreement, where the British driver, in agreement with the Maranello team, can decide whether to extend for a third consecutive season or not. This could lead to the historic Ferrari double with a 42-year-old Hamilton in 2027.
Turrini, at the time of the awaited announcement of Hamilton joining Ferrari, declared to the microphones of Sky Sport 24: “I imagine Elkann decided to bet on Hamilton, aware that he could bring expertise and perhaps convince some top technicians to come to Maranello. There could be the Cristiano Ronaldo flip side. The Juventus took what was – with Messi – the greatest footballer of the time, and then we know how it ended. Elkann knows he’s taking a risk; Hamilton is not a rookie. He can provide the contribution of an immense class, but a driver alone – if he doesn’t have a car up to par – can’t make it. The Ferrari idea is to pair Leclerc and Hamilton, confident in their ability to provide them with a car to express the talent they possess.“.
Will we be able to see the legendary duo Hamilton-Newey? Only time will give us the answer, what we can tell you is that we are ready to experience this Miami GP, the second stage of the new weekend layout with sprint races.