Adrian Newey standing beside the emblem of Ferrari.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has praised Adrian Newey’s “mega record” in F1 amid rumours that the Red Bull design guru has already signed a contract to join the Scuderia.
Red Bull announced earlier this month that Newey will leave the team in early F1 2025 after a hugely successful 19-year spell in which the 65-year-old has designed title-winning cars for both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
Adrian Newey to join Ferrari?
His manager Eddie Jordan has negotiated the terms of his departure, which will grant Newey, the most accomplished individual in F1 history with over 200 race victories, 13 Drivers’ Championships, and 12 Constructors’ Championships under his belt, the opportunity to commence work with another team in preparation for the significant F1 2026 regulation alterations.
Speculation has been circulating for the past few months about contract offers from Aston Martin and Ferrari, and the news of Newey’s departure emerged in the midst of this.
And after Newey teased that he is likely to seek a fresh start with another team, a report by the Mail earlier this week claimed that Italian sources have indicated that he has already signed a deal to join Ferrari – potentially worth significantly more than the estimated £15million per year he currently earns at Red Bull.
In depth: Adrian Newey’s next move
Adrian Newey’s next move: Ranking F1 legend’s options for life after Red Bull
Five reasons why Adrian Newey returning to McLaren F1 team makes little sense
After Newey’s departure from Red Bull, reports emerged suggesting that he had met with Vasseur in London prior to his departure for the Miami Grand Prix. These reports indicated that the Ferrari boss was making efforts to finalize the deal.
However, Vasseur declined to provide any information regarding Ferrari’s rumored efforts to recruit Newey, while addressing the press at Imola prior to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
He commented, “Adrian possesses an outstanding record. He stands as the most accomplished engineer in the paddock. While I lack concrete statistics, I believe this is likely the case.”
“I don’t have anything to say about this.”
Since assuming the role of team principal in late 2022, Vasseur has led Ferrari through a significant overhaul, resulting in two triumphs at Singapore 2023 and Australia 2024.
In recent months, Ferrari has initiated an ambitious recruitment campaign following Vasseur’s arrival. They have successfully attracted seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, as well as Loïc Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio, from Mercedes.
Vasseur explained that Ferrari is currently striking a balance between short-term objectives and long-term aspirations as they introduce their first major upgrade of the F1 2024 season at Imola. The Scuderia is determined to regain their position at the top.
He stated that while we are discussing both the long term and short term goals, the short term holds utmost importance at this stage of the season.
“We are exerting an immense effort. I have faith in the abilities of our team members, but ultimately, only time will reveal what lies ahead.”
To be honest, Ferrari’s current focus is on making gradual improvements, one small step at a time. I have complete faith in our team at the company, as they are doing an excellent job.
“In comparison to one year ago and the start of May, when we were in Miami, we missed it by just one second. In the previous week in Miami, we were slightly behind by 0.1 to 0.15 seconds.”
“It signifies a significant leap forward, although it falls short as I firmly believe Red Bull still holds the upper hand.”
“They are slightly ahead, although not always and with less frequency.”
“We must persistently progress by hundredths and remain mindful that it will never reach five tenths by five tenths, as that would be an error.”
“There will be gradual progress if we need to make up for lost ground, with small increments, and it is important to understand that there is no miraculous solution.”
Read next: The McLaren and Ferrari data that shows Red Bull have work to do
