Should Adrian Newey finally join Ferrari now?
A report from Italy has claimed Adrian Newey met Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur in London to discuss a move to the Scuderia, potentially as early as 2025.
With Newey’s departure from Red Bull officially set for the ‘first quarter of 2025’ and no additional gardening leave required, he could potentially join another team on the grid and contribute to their 2026 efforts if he desired.
Adrian Newey reportedly meets Ferrari in London
A report from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport under the headline ‘Newey-Ferrari, here we go’ claims Red Bull’s chief technology officer took time to meet Vasseur over a possible move to Maranello, with the Scuderia having made multiple approaches to Newey over working for them over the decades that have not come to fruition.
After reaching an agreement for an early departure from Red Bull, which was initially contracted until the end of 2025, it has been confirmed that he will no longer be involved in Formula 1 design responsibilities. Instead, he will be dedicating his efforts towards the finalization of the Red Bull RB17 road car project. He will continue to work with the team’s Technology Group until the completion of the car.
And if a deal was agreed between Newey and Ferrari, La Gazzetta claims Newey would be able to begin immediate work on planning ahead for the 2026 car due to his lack of gardening leave restraints agreed between himself and Red Bull – even though work cannot officially begin on constructing the cars until the start of 2025.
PlanetF1.com recommends
Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp channel for all the F1 breaking news!
Five big Miami GP questions: Adrian Newey future, Red Bull upgrade threat and more
The report indicates that the possibility of Newey joining Ferrari is anticipated to be announced following the [Miami] GP. If the signing takes place, Newey will have the opportunity to promptly commence work on the 2026 car. This would be advantageous as it would allow him to freely apply his innovative ideas in order to effectively interpret the upcoming technical regulations.
Regarding Newey himself, he clarified when he announced his departure that he is eager to explore new opportunities, implying that his involvement in F1 may not be finished. However, he also recognized that the time is appropriate for other individuals within Red Bull to take on more responsibility.
He expressed that he believes the current moment is ideal to pass on the baton to others and pursue fresh challenges for himself.
“For now, as we near the completion of RB17’s development, I will dedicate my remaining time with the team to this crucial stage. I express my gratitude to the exceptional individuals I have had the privilege of working with at Red Bull throughout our 18-year journey, for their remarkable skills, unwavering commitment, and relentless efforts.”
“I have been truly privileged, and I have full confidence in the engineering team’s readiness to undertake the final evolution of the car within the four-year period specified by these regulations.”
Read next: Adrian Newey explains the main reason behind stunning Red Bull departure
