Ferrari does not need Newey according to di Montezemolo
Questioned about the possibility of hiring Red Bull's chief engineer, Luca di Montezemolo indicated that he wouldn't be opposed but that he has confidence in his team. The Ferrari executive nevertheless hopes that next season will be more fruitful for the Scuderia.
Designer of seven cars that won the constructor’s title between 1991 and 2010, Adrian Newey enjoys a reputation as a maker of victories, similar to what he has achieved since 2006 with Red Bull. A success that inevitably stirs up rumors, especially when other manufacturers like McLaren, Ferrari, or Mercedes struggle behind the RB7 from the Austrian firm.
When the question is posed to Luca di Montezemolo, the big boss of FIAT and Ferrari, about whether Ferrari would like to recruit the British engineer, the answer is nuanced: « Obviously, yes. But it’s been the same for 20 years – having the best technicians and the best drivers. I have a high opinion of Adrian Newey, but I am delighted and happy with my technicians. I am delighted to have the best driver in the world, Fernando, and delighted to have seen, especially in the second half of the season, a good reaction from Felipe ».
I respect everything he has done. It’s more or less the same thing with the drivers, but with all due respect to Adrian Newey, I am confident that we can have a very competitive car next year because I know my team and I do not underestimate them. Since 2000, how many championships have we won? After two successful seasons with McLaren in 1998 and 1999, Adrian Newey indeed experienced a long dry spell during which Ferrari won several titles driven by the Todt-Brawn-Schumacher trio.
Regarding the goals for next season, the big boss of the Scuderia is clear: « Win. I am not happy because this season we do not have a competitive car. I am tired of losing the championship in the last race; it has happened too often in recent years ». Ferrari indeed lost the title in the last race in 2008 with Felipe Massa at Interlagos and in 2010 with Fernando Alonso in Abu Dhabi. « For next season, I expect a competitive car with clear rules and a straightforward interpretation of the rules, not like in 2009. So I hope we can have clear rules and be in a position to win the championship again ».
Tipped to one day hold the position of Prime Minister of the Council in Italy, Luca di Montezemolo insisted on affirming his commitment to Ferrari: « [My commitment is] very important. More than ever […] On Monday, I’m flying to Frankfurt for the motor show. I am very, very busy with Ferrari. I am happy because, being the part-time president of FIAT, I can dedicate all my time to Ferrari, especially to return to the forefront in the championship next year ».
