Ferrari Leaves Door Open for Adrian Newey After Red Bull Success
Stefano Domenicali has not ruled out a future Ferrari role for Adrian Newey, despite Luca di Montezemolo recalling a failed approach in the late 1990s.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has suggested that the Maranello squad is not ruling out a future role for Adrian Newey, after the Red Bull technical chief's cars secured back-to-back Formula One constructors’ and drivers’ titles. Domenicali’s remarks come as speculation continues over whether Ferrari might seek to lure Newey away from Red Bull, where he has overseen a dominant run in recent seasons.
Asked by Sky Sports News if Newey was on Ferrari’s shortlist, Domenicali acknowledged the Briton’s achievements at Red Bull and said, “What he would like to do in the future, well we will see.” Newey’s technical leadership has been central to Red Bull’s recent success, with the team clinching both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in the last two seasons.
Montezemolo Remembers 1997 Approach
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, however, recalled the team’s failed attempt to sign Newey in 1997, when the designer left Williams for McLaren instead. Montezemolo told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the meeting was not positive, citing reluctance from Newey’s family to relocate to Italy. “The idea that his wife had of Italy was that of some kind of a third world country,” Montezemolo said, adding that if Newey were to change his opinion, Ferrari would be open to discussions.
Montezemolo also expressed confidence in Ferrari’s existing technical staff, but did not dismiss the possibility of approaching Newey again if circumstances changed. The Italian team has often been linked with high-profile technical appointments in its bid to return to the top of Formula One.
Technical Talent and Driver Comparisons
Domenicali, while discussing Newey’s credentials, also addressed the comparison between Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. He maintained his belief that Alonso is ultimately the better driver, but acknowledged Vettel’s achievements in securing multiple pole positions and victories. Vettel’s contract extension with Red Bull through 2016 was also reported at the time, further solidifying the team’s technical and driver stability.
Newey’s future in Formula One has remained a topic of speculation, with Ferrari’s openness reflecting the ongoing competition among top teams for the sport’s leading engineering talent. While no formal approach was confirmed in 2012, the possibility of Newey joining Ferrari remained a subject of interest within the paddock.
For more on Newey’s links to Ferrari, see Adrian Newey Nearly Joined Ferrari for 2015 F1 Season.
