Ex-F1 star weighs on Adrian Newey's potential call to join Ferrari from 2025 season

The legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey is reportedly considering a move to Ferrari, a shift that could dramatically alter the competitive landscape of the sport. This possibility arises after Newey announced last month that he would be leaving Red Bull Racing early next year. 

He will be capping off a 19-year tenure during which he has masterminded seven drivers' titles and six constructors' championships for the team. Newey's departure from Red Bull comes at a time when the team, along with star driver Max Verstappen, is once again leading the F1 standings. 

Despite this dominance, they face renewed challenges from McLaren and Ferrari. Newey's plans remain uncertain, but in a recent podcast with his manager Eddie Jordan, he mentioned that he intends to take a holiday before deciding on his next move. 

The speculation around Newey joining Ferrari has intensified, with the Scuderia eager to bring the design genius on board as they strive to reclaim their former glory. According to Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 star who worked with Newey during his time at McLaren in 2005 and 2006, the key factor that could entice Newey to Ferrari was the opportunity to design road cars alongside Formula 1 machinery. 

“I think he would jump on”, says Montoya 

Montoya believes this dual role would be irresistible to Newey, who thrives on pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Montoya, speaking to RacingNews365, explained, "I think the only reason he would go to Ferrari is if he could get to build road cars. If Ferrari said, 'The next five supercars you're in charge of, and you've got to build the F1 car', I think he would jump on that opportunity in a heartbeat because he likes pushing beyond what's possible."

Currently, Newey is completing the RB17 hypercar project at Red Bull, which is expected to be a groundbreaking vehicle. However, Montoya noted, "He's done that Red Bull Car, which is supposed to be insane. But it's a Red Bull car, not a Ferrari. It's about the badge, whether you like it or not." This sentiment underscores the allure of the Ferrari brand and its potential to attract top talent like Newey.

Despite acknowledging Newey's immense contributions and character, Montoya believes that Red Bull will continue to thrive post-Newey. With the new power unit and aerodynamic regulations set to be introduced in 2026, Montoya is confident that Red Bull has the right personnel to navigate these changes successfully. "I don't see Red Bull failing. There's work to be done but I think they've hired the right people to get that job done," he said.