Newey, speaking for the first time since news of his impending departure was made public, responded by saying: ‘It was very kind of Lewis to say that, but at the moment I’m just taking a bit of a break and we’ll see what happens next.’

Mail Sport understands Ferrari have definitely spoken to Newey about moving there, but have yet to close the deal.

Adrian Newey (pictured) admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s compliments were very flattering

The seven-time world champion said that working with the designer was ‘top of his wish list’

Newey flew out to Miami to join team principal Christian Horner (right) after confirmation of his impending Red Bull exit

READ MORE: How Red Bull’s departing mastermind can reignite Lewis Hamilton’s career at Ferrari… PLUS why a Grand Prix in ‘woke’ Los Angeles is off the agenda, writes JONATHAN MCEVOY

Newey’s exit is a further bump for Red Bull following the scandal that engulfed team principal Christian Horner over allegedly sending coercive texts to a female colleague. He was cleared in an internal investigation, a verdict that is now subject to an ongoing appeal.

‘I’ve been thinking about this a little while now – over the winter and then as events unfolded this year,’ explained Newey, who earns £15million.

‘I’m in the very lucky position where I don’t need to work to live. I work because I enjoy it and felt now was a good time to step back and take stock of life. Maybe at some point, I’ll be standing in the shower and say, “Right, this is going to be the next adventure.”

‘Formula One’s all consuming. I’ve been at it for a long time now. There comes a point, as Forrest Gump said, “I’m feeling a little bit tired.”

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, who drives Newey’s rocket ship, handed Red Bull a boost by insisting he couldn’t be lured away to Mercedes even for £150m a year.

The reigning world champion put himself beyond price as rumours swirl that he is disgruntled by recent shenanigans.

‘My future is within Red Bull at the moment,’ he said.

Max Verstappen doubled down on his seat at Red Bull after another rampant day’s qualifying

Hamilton was only 12th-best in qualifying for the sprint, with team-mate George Russell 11th

‘Even if there was an offer of 150million, money is not going to be the differentiator. I am happy with what I am earning already. If I knew I was driving for fifth or sixth, I’d get quite grumpy.

‘Everyone knows it is about performance and Toto (Wolff, the Mercedes team principal) knows that.’

Verstappen, 26, took pole for Saturday’s sprint race despite a less than perfect lap. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starts second and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez third.

Hamilton was only 12th best, team-mate George Russell 11th. So much for Mercedes’ upgrades! Again.