I can't see how he could do better at the Scuderia than what he has already achieved. Also, why would be jump in a cauldron of intrigues after enjoying unlimited freedom and respect at Red Bull.
He's near retirement, he doesn't need the money. He said the only time he thought of going to another team was 2014. When Renault wouldn't put more money in under powered engine.
It's a false assumption that everyone will run for money. Someone like Newey is already well provided forn I'm sure.
Oh, I'm not making any prognostications, I've just seen at the were a top of their game, universally loved and respected, and then throw it all away for money (and power) maybe stupidity (or combination thereof) - I don't understand it, but I've seen it plenty. Money and Power can do strange things to people. A certain mayor comes to mind. Didn't Will Smith also sabotage himself? Never underestimate the other guy's greed? Was that Tony Montana? Actually no, - It was Frank.
I think Red Bull is the cauldron these days! I can understand why Newey might fancy doing a few years at Ferrari. He would be paid more a load of money to oversee the F1 design and he could also design his own hypercar the 'Ferrari Newey LH44'. I can think of worse ways to spend your early retirement!
Italian press has speculated that Ferrari has offered Newey the role of head of F1 and Road Car technical development, truck loads of cash, and interestingly, to also be head of Ferrari's new yacht design division (apparently sailing is one of Newey's passions). https://www.corriere.it/sport/formula-1/24_marzo_08/newey-ferrari-90d517a4-dcd9-11ee-9cc9-ae75d527b8c3.shtml
That’s not the point. Last and difficult challenge. With huge diversification projects within the Brand ( Road car, sailing etc ..) And money of course .
Newey has been pretty clear in the last 5 years that he finds the F-1 set of rules very boring and unchallenging. He wanted to do road cars - like the Aston Valkyrie, before they went in as a direct competitor... so I think he is looking for more interesting challenges. I think Ferrari could do that for him, but I also think Newey would demand a level of autonomy from Ferrari that they will be very uncomfortable with.... that is what I dont see happening. In his biography he notates how Ferrari have offered him huge sums of money in the past, so its not money... its the challenge. They need to offer him what he cant get at Redbull.
Maybe he would even restore the V12 legitimacy Fully agree, I see it as a global package. Free part time and working on what you like. Attractive place to live with I guess either..
Newey could create his own design studio, like Gordon Murray did. That way he would keep his independence, and chose to work only on the projects he likes. Working as a Ferrari employee would never give him that freedom.
F1 has been a sh*t show since 2014. Granted there isn't the latitude within the regs to create a game changer like the Lotus 78/79, but I think that his success at RBR given these very restrictive regulations makes him exceptional. Incredible man, incredible intellect. The question is "What is that"?
I don’t think name plates impress him. Does he have a Ferrari in his collection? I know he has/had E-type lightweight and GT40.
and when an innovative design emerges from the strict regulations, it quickly get outlawed. even if it falls within the regulations. i like it when the designers outsmart the rule makers.
250 GT SWB Comp/60 RHD #2119GT (ex-Rob Walker, raced a few times in period by both Sir Stirling Moss and Mike Parkes)