Ferrari insider shares how he close he got to signing ‘genius’ Adrian Newey and why he never joined

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Adrian Newey has one of the most decorated CVs in the history of Formula 1.

The number of drivers’ and constructors’ championships that Adrian Newey has been involved in during his F1 career is remarkable.

Spells at Leyton House and Copersucar prepared Newey for a move to Williams, where he helped Nigel Mansell win his only title and Alain Prost retire with a fourth championship to his name.

McLaren was his next destination, where he joined as technical director. David Coulthard explained why Mika Hakkinen beat him to two championships, but the car’s dominance was partly down to Newey’s genius.

Red Bull signed Newey in 2006, and in the nearly two decades he spent with the Anglo-Austrian team, he watched Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen become four-time world champions.

Newey’s latest challenge is at Aston Martin, and he has his work cut out turning Lawrence Stroll’s team into championship winners.

The 2026 regulations could help or hinder Newey, but there’s one glaring omission from his current CV – Ferrari.

Ferrari stalwart Gino Rosato has explained how close he came to signing the design genius and one factor that could never sway him to make the move to Maranello.

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin managing technical partner Adrian Newey

Gino Rosato says money wasn’t the reason why Adrian Newey never joined Ferrari

Rosato was discussing Aston Martin on the Pitstop Podcast and how Lawrence Stroll hasn’t made it easy for his son, Lance Stroll, due to the calibre of his teammates.

He explained: “I think it’s all the contrary.

“Then again, you see, everyone was after Adrian Newey.

“I think he had the possibility of going wherever he wanted. Then, I came pretty close [to signing him].

“It’s pretty cool because it’s written all over the place. I’m probably, hands-on, the guy who came the closest to bringing Adrian Newey to Ferrari.

“And it’s not about the money. I promise you. Well, that’s for him to answer.

“I have huge respect for him. He’s a person I call a friend, and I love Adrian Newey.

“Another giant, nicest person you’ll ever meet on the planet. I mean, he’ll give you the time of day.

“He’s not playing that game. He’s just a number one genius in all senses.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

How Aston Martin signed Adrian Newey ahead of Ferrari and F1 rivals after Red Bull exit

Last season, it emerged that Newey would be leaving Red Bull after helping them win six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles.

Nearly every team in the paddock were linked with signing the 66-year-old, although Aston Martin’s private factory tour convinced Newey to sign.

There were claims that Newey didn’t return to Williams because the project was ‘too much’, although it’s hard to argue that there’s less work to be done at Aston Martin.

Newey rejected several offers from Ferrari in the past, and his availability last year appeared to tempt the Scuderia into making another effort to hire him, even if that ultimately proved futile.

Talks between Newey and Fred Vasseur took place, but a deal could never be agreed.

The design genius always said he wanted to work with Lewis Hamilton one day, but instead, he’s getting to fulfil his dream of trying to help Fernando Alonso win a long-awaited third championship.