“The ideas he had differed from mine about his role”: Ferrari boss explains why Adrian Newey’s signing fell through

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur recently explained why their deal with Adrian Newey fell through. Vasseur cited differences in preferences regarding the role as the key factor that prevented Newey from joining the Italian team.

In May, the renowned F1 designer announced he would be leaving Red Bull Racing after a successful 19-year tenure. Following the announcement, Ferrari and Aston Martin emerged as the frontrunners to secure the services of the 65-year-old Briton.

In a recent interview with L'Equipe, Vasseur revealed that he had discussions with Newey about joining the Italian team. However, the negotiations fell through due to differing expectations regarding the role. The Frenchman added that the team would work effectively as a collective unit rather than depending on a single individual.

"The ideas he had differed from mine about his role. There have been conversations. And maybe we will agree one day. But, an individual cannot determine the outcome of an entire team. The collective is always stronger than the individual," Vasseur said (via Formule1.nl).

Adrian Newey has previously expressed regret about not working with Ferrari or with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. He had the chance to join Hamilton at Maranello next season, but recent reports suggest he has signed a deal with Aston Martin, potentially realizing his wish to work with Alonso.

According to the BBC, Newey will join Aston Martin on a five-year contract worth $30 million per year, including bonuses and add-ons. The official announcement is expected on Tuesday, September 10.

---

Ferrari announces major hierarchical changes including key Mercedes hire

Amid losing the bid to hire Adrian Newey, the Italian outfit has announced major changes in their technical hierarchy, including the appointment of former Mercedes Performance Director Loic Serra.

Serra will join the Maranello-based team on October 1 as the Technical Director of Chassis. Reporting directly to team principal Fred Vasseur, he will oversee the chassis, vehicle performance, aerodynamics, and trackside engineering departments.

"Scuderia Ferrari HP announces that it has entrusted the role of Technical Director Chassis to Loic Serra. As previously announced, the French engineer, born in 1972, will join the team on 1 October. Loic in this new role will report directly to the Team Principal, Fred Vasseur," the statement read.

"Serra will therefore be responsible for the following departments: Chassis Project Engineering, headed up by Fabio Montecchi; Vehicle Performance, headed up by Marco Adurno; Aerodynamics, headed up by Diego Tondi; Track Engineering, headed up by Matteo Togninalli and Chassis Operations, headed up by to Diego Loverno, who also continues in the role of Sporting Director."

With eight races remaining in the 2024 season, Ferrari occupies third place in the constructor's standings, trailing leaders Red Bull Racing by 39 points.