Vasseur Explains Newey's Failed Transition to Ferrari

Vasseur clarifies that Newey’s departure from Ferrari stemmed from divergent ideas on team strategy and future plans.

Fred Vasseur acknowledges that discussions between Ferrari and Adrian Newey collapsed, with the Frenchman, who heads the Scuderia, not aligning with the famed F1 designer on his potential role.

It is now an open secret: Aston Martin F1 is set to announce this week, likely tomorrow at a scheduled press conference, that it has won the battle against all teams vying for Newey.

Aston Martin F1 and Ferrari were by far the two favorites, with Ferrari long leading the speculation and rumors. However, things shifted in the final weeks.

According to Vasseur, who confirmed having spoken with Newey, the discussions did not progress due to a disagreement on the responsibilities to be assigned to the Briton.

“There were discussions with Newey, yes. But his ideas were probably different from what I had in mind for him.”

“Perhaps one day we’ll find common ground. But as I’ve said, it’s not one individual who changes a team’s outcome. The team is always stronger than the individual.”

Newey will join a star-studded technical team at Aston Martin that will include Dan Fallows and Ferrari’s former technical director of chassis, Enrico Cardile, starting in 2025.

“I had a good relationship with him, and on a personal level, I miss him,” admits Vasseur.

Cardile’s departure prompted Vasseur to implement a restructuring in Ferrari’s technical division.

Last week, the Italian brand announced that Loïc Serra, who will start next month after leaving Mercedes, has been appointed technical director.

“Loïc’s strength is that we are talking about an experienced man who has spent a lot of time at the top level. And he’s a racer.”

Meanwhile, Jérôme d’Ambrosio will also leave Mercedes, with Ferrari welcoming him as the deputy team director and head of its Driver Academy program.

“It was important for me to have someone who possesses Jérôme’s knowledge. In the racing world, he’s been a driver, team manager, CEO—he’s seen it all. He knows the business.”