‘Ferrari sets one condition for Newey’s arrival, 50% salary increase reserved’

Adrian Newey is reportedly about to announce his departure from Red Bull Racing and there is already a lot of speculation about his next step. Ferrari would have the best credentials to land the top engineer. The Formula 1 team from Maranello would be willing to increase Newey’s salary by 50%, but does impose one condition on the designer’s arrival.

It is now an open secret that Ferrari would like to make an attempt to bring in Newey. Since Frederic Vasseur has been at the helm of the Italian racing team, they have tried to make reinforcements in all areas and do not hesitate to shop with other teams. The love for Newey seems to be mutual, because the designer stated in a podcast last year that he regretted the fact that he had never worked for Ferrari or with Lewis Hamilton. Now he can kill both birds with one stone. After all, Hamilton will also transfer to Maranello after this season. And with another year and a half to go before the new regulations come into effect, Newey could make the most of his mark. And that is exactly the only condition Ferrari seems to have.

Article continues below video

Newey interesting for Ferrari in the short term

The Italian Formu1a.uno reports that Ferrari will only benefit from the arrival of Newey if this can be achieved in the short term. Newey’s impact on the 2026 car is crucial. If he is appointed in 2026 or beyond, his influence on the car will be much lower, because the foundation has already been laid. “However, if Newey were available within a maximum of 12 months, he could already be a valuable reinforcement for the 678 model [auto van Ferrari, red.]. They then have a brain from which all genius and experience can be extracted,” it can be read. But whether Newey can be appointed quickly depends on a possible gardening leaveclause in the contract with Red Bull. If Newey has such a clause in his contract and Red Bull does not want to drop it, then in theory Newey will only be allowed to work for another team from 2027. And that is too late for Ferrari.

‘Red Bull Racing closes remarkable deal with Adrian Newey: this is what will happen’read more

Ferrari wants to increase Newey’s salary by 50%

However, there are several theories currently floating around regarding this much-discussed clause. There is a chance that Newey may have forced this clause to no longer be included in his agreement during his previous contract negotiations. Another, more recent theory, is that Newey does have such a clause in his contract, but that Red Bull is willing to waive it. It is not known whether Newey will ask for anything in return. If Newey is given a free rein, Ferrari is prepared to go far. “Maranello would offer a lot, more than 50% on top of his current salary and a lot of freedom of action.” It is not known exactly what Newey earns, but his income is estimated at around £10 million per year.