Damon Hill points to ultimate quality Newey: 'That's what makes him so good'

Adrian Newey is widely regarded as the best designer ever in Formula 1. No fewer than 12 constructors' world championships were won by Newey, with thirteen drivers becoming champions. He also managed to take top prizes with several teams. Damon Hill, who became world champion in a Newey-designed Williams, is very complimentary about the achievements of the 65-year-old, who is set to leave Red Bull Racing.

"People always say he is the wizard of aerodynamics, and indeed he is: but his great ability is to understand the whole package," the Gazetta dello Sport quotes. "He has expertise on the suspension, the engine and, above all, on the driver. He is good at assessing the whole and knows that only by considering everything can the best result be achieved."

Anyone who sees Newey shuffling around the grid prior to a Grand Prix should be especially careful not to disturb him. As soon as the Briton notices something about Red Bull's cars or those of the competition, it disappears into his book. Newey always has an eye for detail, perhaps even more so than colleagues from other teams. The designer shows that in his work, but also in human contact.

Hill and Newey have a deep bond

"Adrian Newey is an extraordinary human being," says Hill. "I love how he cared for me in my 1996 championship year. We went through a lot together after Senna's tragedy at Imola. And ultimately, what makes him unique is his personal attention; he has a careful and profound vision of what it means to be a driver driving a car."