Why Mercedes needs aero genius Adrian Newey more than Ferrari

Adrian Newey's arrival could have a bigger impact on Mercedes compared to Ferrari.

Why Mercedes needs aero genius Adrian Newey more than Ferrari

Toto Wolff [L] Adrian Newey [C] Fred Vasseur [R] (images via IMAGO)

Adrian Newey is regarded as the best car designer in the history of Formula 1. The aero genius has been instrumental in the success of Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull in his long and illustrious career. However, the Briton will be a free agent next year as he leaves Milton Keynes. Ferrari was reportedly the most interested to sign the 65-year-old. Although, it seems that Mercedes has joined this race.

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur even met Adrian Newey before the Miami GP. The Scuderia is rumored to be offering the aero genius a massive salary. Although, both parties have not addressed such speculation. Moreover, Newey’s manager and former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan reckoned that the 65-year-old might take some time off before potentially joining a new team in F1.

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Now, reports have emerged that Mercedes wants to get the services of Adrian Newey from next season despite the Briton holding advanced talks with the Scuderia. Looking at the current scenario on the grid, it can be seen that the Silver Arrows need Newey more than their Italian counterparts.

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Mercedes needs Adrian Newey to overcome three years of underwhelming development

Mercedes dominated Formula 1 in the Turbo hybrid era, winning seven consecutive teams’ titles and six drivers’ championships. However, the Brackley-based squad has struggled in the ground-effect era and fell behind Red Bull and Ferrari. Toto Wolff‘s team last won a race in 2022 courtesy of George Russell, with Lewis Hamilton going winless in the past three seasons.

Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur (Via IMAGO)
Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur (Via IMAGO)

This underwhelming performance was one reason by Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari for 2025, after spending over a decade at Brackley. It seems that the seven-time world champion has lost faith in the team to bounce back in the short-term. On the other hand, Ferrari is on a rise since Fred Vasseur became Team Principal in 2023 and could potentially challenge Red Bull next season.

Undoubtedly, Adrian Newey would have a massive impact on both teams. This impact would be relatively less at Maranello as the Italian team is already close to fighting for the championship. However, it could make a world of a difference to Mercedes. As the aero genius could provide Brackley a much-needed direction on the technical side.

For Newey, Mercedes and Ferrari represent two different challenges. Joining Maranello would be a task of ending the Scuderia’s win-drought albeit from a good foundation. On the other hand, working at Brackley would mean laying down a solid foundation and reassessing the team’s current status after three difficult seasons.

It is clear that Toto Wolff could try harder than Fred Vasseur in signing Adrian Newey. The Austrian billionaire has expressed frustration over the competitiveness of the Silver Arrows. However, Newey could be more emotionally inclined to join Ferrari. As such, it would be interesting to see where the aero-genius is headed next year.

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