In a dramatic twist, Ferrari’s refusal to meet Adrian Newey’s hefty demands brought their negotiations with the renowned designer to a grinding halt. *La Gazzetta dello Sport* reports that the former Red Bull technical genius requested an annual salary of $10 million and insisted on employing around 20 engineers of his choice, conditions Ferrari deemed excessive.
This decision by Ferrari not only ended their talks with Newey but also created an opportunity for Aston Martin. Lawrence Stroll, the team’s owner, allegedly agreed to Newey’s salary demands, reportedly offering him a jaw-dropping £100 million deal over four years. By meeting Newey’s financial expectations, Aston Martin significantly boosted its chances of securing his services.
“I have worked with Adrian for a long time,” said Aston Martin Technical Director Dan Fallows. “He is a great asset to any team. Who knows where he’ll end up?” Fallows’ comment highlights the industry-wide respect Newey commands and the potential impact he could have on any team’s performance.
Since Newey announced in May that he would leave Red Bull in March 2025, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McLaren have all shown interest in him. Initially, Ferrari appeared to be leading the race, but their hesitation to meet his demands allowed Aston Martin to take the lead. According to F1-Insider, the £100 million offer might be too tempting for Newey to ignore, especially since it aligns with his desire not to relocate.
Despite the intense interest in his future, Newey remains calm. “It wasn’t a big surprise when other teams showed interest after I announced I was leaving, but I won’t make a quick decision about my future,” he told *The Times*. Newey emphasized that he needs a break to evaluate whether he wants to continue in F1 and avoid becoming stale. He also expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, mentioning a recent trip along the south coast with his dogs.
Meanwhile, Mercedes is out of the running for Newey. Team boss Toto Wolff confirmed to *Österreich* that they would not pursue the designer, expressing confidence in his current leadership under James Allison. However, Wolff did not rule out the possibility of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen joining Mercedes in the future, highlighting the team’s strategic foresight.
As the motorsport world buzzes with anticipation, all eyes are on Newey. His next move has the potential to shake up the balance of power in Formula One. Aston Martin’s aggressive offer clearly shows how crucial they believe Newey’s expertise could be in transforming their team into a dominant force. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly waiting to see how this drama unfolds.
Adrian Newey’s next step remains one of the most highly anticipated decisions in recent Formula One history. Whether he chooses Aston Martin or another path, his choice will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the sport’s future. As he takes his time to decide, the F1 community watches with bated breath, knowing his decision will shape the landscape for years to come.
