Ferrari lacked "vision" by failing to meet Newey's requests

Ferrari’s reluctance to meet Adrian Newey’s demands allowed Aston Martin to secure his services for future F1 success.

1992 F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell believes Ferrari demonstrated “short-term vision” in its pursuit of Adrian Newey.

Newey has been appointed as Aston Martin F1’s new technical partner, overseeing the team’s technical department from March 2025, as Lawrence Stroll aims to lead the Silverstone-based team to future glory.

When Newey’s departure from Red Bull was announced in Miami, Ferrari was considered the favorite to secure his services.

However, Ferrari was unwilling to match Aston Martin’s offer, refusing to engage in a bidding war.

Mansell, who drove for Ferrari in 1989 and 1990, believes this was a missed opportunity for the Italian team.

“As soon as I heard Ferrari hesitated to meet Adrian’s salary demands, I think they showed short-term vision.”

“Ferrari, I love them. I really do. But they missed an opportunity because whoever hires Adrian Newey is almost guaranteed a few fantastic years. And I think Aston Martin has done something very special by securing his services.”

“And I mean, I’ll be fascinated to see, along with sports fans worldwide, how quickly that manifests.”

Mansell is adamant that Newey’s move to Aston Martin will give him “a bit more energy,” predicting he could “do something very special” when he joins the team next year.

“I think people have also underestimated the fact that Adrian hasn’t been entirely happy in recent years with Red Bull, despite the fantastic work he’s done. Now that he knows he’ll stay in the UK, with Aston Martin, Adrian will find a bit more energy and drive to work in F1.”

“And it’s frightening for everyone to hear that because he’s doing fantastic work.”

“And if he feels comfortable, which he clearly does with Aston Martin, he could do something very special.”