Fred Vasseur downplays the need for Ferrari to pursue Adrian Newey
Qualifying for the Dutch GP was a reality check for Ferrari. The SF-24 was barely the fourth-fastest car, with even Aston Martin showing more pace over one lap. Concerns are beginning to grow as Ferrari lose ground to McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes. Despite this, Fred Vasseur insists the team is on the right track – dismissing the importance of going after Adrian Newey’s signature.
When Newey first became a free agent, Ferrari were among the favourites to secure his services. However, recent months have seen Aston Martin become the front-runners to sign the 65-year-old.
Meanwhile, the Scuderia have lost key personnel. The departure of Enrico Cardile, formerly the Scuderia’s technical director, is the most notable exit.
Mattia Binotto is also working to recruit Ferrari’s engineers for the Audi F1 project, although Maranello have managed to avoid any major losses so far.
Vasseur: “The group comes first”
Overall, familiar worries are beginning to follow Fred Vasseur’s team. With plans for 2025 already being formulated, there is a risk Ferrari’s current woes could impact next year’s project.
In this context, Ferrari are navigating a relatively difficult spell. In the eyes of many, Adrian Newey’s availability is an opportunity to galvanise Maranello ahead of the 2026 regulations.
However, this is not the priority for Fred Vasseur. He told Corriere Della Serra where his focus lies:
“I’ve always said that the group comes first. This applies to engineers, drivers and anyone.
“It’s not the sum of talents that generates performance but a right combination of factors.
“PSG has always taken the best, yet has never won the Champions League. We, on the other hand, are on the right track.”
The SF-24 will receive its next upgrade package next weekend at the Italian GP. These updates will determine if Ferrari can rectify their derailed development.
Not only will this have ramifications for the rest of 2024 – but 2025 as well.
