Ferrari's reason's for snubbing Adrian Newey...despite Lewis

Ferrari’s reason’s for snubbing Adrian Newey…despite Lewis Hamilton’s…read more

Ferrari’s decision not to pursue a deal with renowned Formula 1 engineer Adrian Newey, despite reported interest, stems from their desire to avoid a potential bidding war, according to recent reports. Newey, a key figure behind many successful cars in the sport, is said to be on the verge of joining Aston Martin after his contract with Red Bull expires in the first quarter of 2025.

The news comes as a surprise to many in the F1 world, especially given the Italian team’s historical struggles and the potential value of Newey’s expertise. Newey has long been recognized as one of the most influential figures in Formula 1, contributing to multiple world championships across several teams. His impact at Red Bull, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s domination of the early 2010s and their recent resurgence, has made him a highly sought-after figure.

Despite Ferrari’s apparent interest, they ultimately decided not to pursue Newey aggressively. According to a report from *Autosport*, the team feared that entering a bidding war with Aston Martin could lead to an ‘auction’ for his services, ultimately driving up the price to a level they were unwilling to pay. Newey is reportedly set to earn around £76 million over three years with Aston Martin, excluding potential bonuses, making him one of the highest-paid engineers in the sport.

Instead of committing such a vast sum to secure Newey’s expertise, Ferrari has opted to invest in other areas of the team. A new technical structure is reportedly being developed within the company, aimed at strengthening their engineering and design capabilities without relying solely on the addition of a high-profile figure like Newey. This decision aligns with Ferrari’s broader strategy of building long-term success rather than chasing short-term gains through high-profile signings.

This strategic shift also coincides with Ferrari’s significant financial commitment to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to join the team next year. Hamilton will reportedly be paid the highest salary of any Formula 1 driver in history, underscoring Ferrari’s belief in the value he can bring to the team as they aim to return to championship contention. Hamilton’s experience, combined with Ferrari’s technical developments, suggests that the team is focusing on a more holistic approach to success rather than relying on one individual’s influence.

Hamilton has previously expressed his admiration for Newey’s work, openly stating earlier this season that he would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with him if given the chance. “He’s got such a great history, track record, and has obviously just done an amazing job through his career in engaging with teams and the knowledge he has,” Hamilton said. He added, “I think he would be an amazing addition. I think they’ve [Ferrari] already got a great team, they’re already making huge progress, strides forwards, their car’s quicker this year. But yeah, it would be a privilege to work with him.”

While Hamilton may have hoped to see Newey at Ferrari, the decision not to engage in a bidding war may reflect Ferrari’s focus on building a more sustainable and balanced technical team. Newey’s move to Aston Martin, however, could significantly strengthen the Silverstone-based outfit. Aston Martin has already made considerable strides in recent years, improving their on-track performance and infrastructure. Securing a figure of Newey’s caliber would further bolster their ambitions of challenging the top teams in the coming seasons.

Aston Martin is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where it is widely anticipated that they will officially announce Newey’s arrival. Although the agenda for the event has not been disclosed, many in the paddock are expecting confirmation of Newey’s role with the team starting in the 2025 season.

The implications of Newey’s move will be closely watched, especially by Ferrari and their fans, who have long hoped for a return to their glory days. While Ferrari has chosen a different path, betting on internal development and their investment in Hamilton, Aston Martin’s acquisition of Newey signals their intent to disrupt the established order in Formula 1.

In the end, Ferrari’s decision to pass on Newey might be seen as a calculated risk. Instead of engaging in a costly battle for one individual’s services, they are choosing to focus on a broader, more comprehensive approach to their future success in the sport. Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the arrival of Adrian Newey at Aston Martin is likely to shake up the competitive landscape of Formula 1 for years to come.