Ferrari No Longer Chasing Adrian Newey?

Ferrari may have stepped back from trying to secure the services of Red Bull’s departing technical mastermind, Adrian Newey.

Following Charles Leclerc’s pole-to-win triumph at the Monaco Grand Prix, former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde praised the positive impact of Ferrari’s new team principal, Frederic Vasseur. “Strategically he has brought in different people, like the new engineer for Leclerc,” van der Garde told Viaplay. “Straight away he wins. He has attracted the right people to the team and even got Adrian Newey to join,” he added.

In recent weeks, speculation was rife that Ferrari had successfully courted Newey, one of the most revered F1 designers ever. Despite the buzz, the move was never officially confirmed.

However, Michael Schmidt, a respected F1 editor for Auto Motor und Sport, reports that Ferrari is no longer pursuing Newey. According to Schmidt, Mercedes has re-entered the fray to acquire Newey’s expertise. Other potential destinations for the 65-year-old include Williams, McLaren, and Aston Martin.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard suggests that Newey might be considering retirement, as he gradually reduces his role at Red Bull, planning to leave entirely by early next year. “Clearly, if he’s reflected on a contract that was signed a year or so ago and decided that he doesn’t want to be part of that contract longer term, that has to come from a space of doubt or unhappiness,” Coulthard remarked on his podcast, Formula For Success.

“Sometimes chasing the next opportunity, thinking that’s going to bring you happiness, you can end up having regret. I know what I would do if I was him at 65 years old with more money than time – I would be on that boat quicker than you could see me pack my Speedos.”

Potential Impact on F1 Teams

The decision of Adrian Newey, whether to join another team or retire, will significantly impact the competitive landscape of Formula 1. His unparalleled experience and innovative designs have been pivotal in shaping the success of many teams over the years. As teams like Mercedes, Williams, McLaren, and Aston Martin vie for his expertise, the strategic advantages he could bring are immense.

Newey’s next move remains a focal point of speculation within the F1 community, and his final decision will likely influence team strategies and performance in the upcoming seasons.