Adrian Newey could now make ‘surprise’ move as Ferrari rumours fade

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Adrian Newey is increasingly unlikely to join Ferrari when he leaves Red Bull, according to a report. The Scuderia pursued Newey after he resigned from his post with the world champions.

The 65-year-old is arguably the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, having won a combined 25 titles over three different decades. Ferrari are trying to win the championship for the first time since 2008.

But Motorsport Italy are now claiming that talk of Newey moving to Maranello has ‘died down completely’. The departure of technical director Enrico Cardile has changed Ferrari’s priorities.

They need someone to head up that department on a day-to-day basis. But that’s not the kind of role Newey wants at this stage of his career – he prefers a more flexible consultancy arrangement.

There were talks between Newey and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. And it’s thought that the Italian giants tabled a ‘detailed proposal’.

Now, as they look to adequately replace Cardile, the Prancing Horse management don’t want to get involved in a bidding war. Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has apparently offered Newey £400k a week.

Adrian Newey could rejoin McLaren as Ferrari pursue other priorities

Newey has also held talks with Williams, but now it looks as if there are only two teams remaining in the race – McLaren and Aston Martin. There are varying noises about who’s on top.

Some claim that Aston have the advantage after negotiations with McLaren ‘stalled’. However, others suspect that the Newey ‘saga’ could have a ‘surprise ending’ as he returns to Woking.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

He previously worked for the team between 1997 and 2005, building two title-winning cars for Mika Hakkinen in ’98 and ’99. Red Bull then recruited him for the launch of their F1 project.

McLaren currently stand on the precipice of winning championships. Red Bull engineers fear that Sergio Perez could cost them the title this year, with Andrea Stella’s squad 78 points behind and on the march.

F1 team boss sent staff home to keep Newey visit a secret

It’s clear that both teams have tried to be as covert as possible. Particularly from the McLaren side, there have been few leaks boasting of his alleged eagerness to join.

Over at Aston, Stroll even dismissed his staff before giving Newey a tour of his factory. Ultimately, he couldn’t prevent the story from getting out as he pursues his biggest coup of all.

He’s already signed former Mercedes engine guru Andy Cowell as well as Ferrari’s Cardile. The Canadian businessman wants to turn the team into world champions.

Still, Aston are an inconsistent midfield outfit right now, while McLaren are contending for wins. Much will depend, then, on Newey’s appetite for a calculated gamble in what could be his final F1 move.