After a spectacular start to the 2024 Formula 1 championship and entertaining the dream of challenging Max Verstappen and Red Bull for the title, Ferrari suddenly found itself trapped in a vortex of negative results that significantly lowered the expectations of fans and experts. Since the triumph on the streets of Monte Carlo in Monaco, the SF-24 has shown several weaknesses, quickly relegating it to the role of fourth force, with McLaren and especially Mercedes shining in recent races.
Adrian Newey still at the center of the market
Adding to this is the recent departure of Enrico Cardile, who decided to leave Ferrari after more than twenty years to join Aston Martin under Lawrence Stroll as Chief Technical Officer.
Ferrari thus finds itself without a true technical director at least until September, the month when the new figure replacing the technician from Arezzo is expected to be announced, awaiting the arrival of Loic Serra, scheduled for early October, who will play a key role in the new structure desired by the manager from Draveil.
Meanwhile, the matter of Adrian Newey remains prominent, initially very close to accepting Ferrari’s offer after the announcement of his departure from Red Bull last May, but now increasingly leaning towards Aston Martin.
“It’s the same if I am asked: are you interested in Max Verstappen? I would like to see any team principal in the paddock who would say no,” Fred Vasseur commented, speaking about the British designer in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
“It would be a big mistake on my part not to consider Newey. The question is different: does he fit the team? What does he bring to the team for the future? It’s not a sure thing. Sometimes one plus one doesn’t make two, but two and a half. Newey is certainly a topic, just as he is for everyone.” – the French manager pointed out.
Speaking about the recruiting campaign that has significantly reshaped the organizational chart over the last year and a half, Fred Vasseur replied: “Since I’ve been here, we have hired about 50 engineers from other teams. I could send a press release every week and announce the names. What would that achieve? I don’t like singling out individuals. The team is what matters.”
“We make exceptions only when filling positions within the team or when there are changes in key positions like strategy, the sporting director, and the technical director. I believe it is a good tactic. It protects employees and treats everyone the same way.” – the Ferrari team principal concluded.
Source: f1ingenerale
