Eddie Jordan, ex-Formula 1 team owner turned pundit and manager for design guru Adrian Newey remained coy on the door being shut at Ferrari as the Briton’s future continues to be speculated.
Newey’s future has been the topic of heavy debate since he announced he would leave Red Bull during the first quarter of the 2025 season.
The mastermind behind much of the Milton Keynes-based squad’s success is now considering his options with several teams vying for his signature.
However, despite Aston Martin and McLaren emerging as the front runners, Ferrari, previously believed to be on Newey’s radar, might still have an opportunity to secure his services.
David Coulthard asked Jordan on the duo’s Formula for Success podcast: “When you eventually announce he’s going to Aston Martin, do we suddenly think their performance will gain half-a-second just because of an announcement?”
Jordan responded by saying, “You have made a statement about where you think Adrian may or may not be going,” before challenging Coulthard for stating his opinion as a matter of fact.
“Well, he’s not going to Ferrari,” Coulthard added.
“Why do you say that,” replied Jordan.
“It’s still in the melting pot.
I have to tell you that the reason why no-one will know is: it’s the summer period, he went to Goodwood with the RB17, he’s still working with Red Bull.
“There’s an argument to say Red Bull should approach him and ask if he’d come back again! But I think it’s far too late.
“The reality is that Adrian is spending downtime. He has spent every year of his life, night and day, since 19. He’s now mid-60s. He is having fun, his daughter got married, he’s doing other things that he’s never been able to do before.”
Newey’s impending exit coming to light in early May coincided with claims from Italian media that Ferrari had moved into pole position to finally get him to move to Maranello as a ‘super consultant.’
However, come July, further reports in Italian media claimed Ferrari was unwilling to engage in a bidding war with McLaren and Aston Martin, with Newey reportedly visiting the brand-new facility of the latter in secret.
Still, wherever Newey lands after his well-earned rest, that team will no doubt get a shot in the arm in its bid to fight for race victories and championships.
However, McLaren might be the only suitor that doesn’t require Newey’s help, given its run of 10 straight podiums and parity with Red Bull in the Formula 1 pecking order.
