Newey to Ferrari: 'He would jump on that opportunity in a heartbeat'

The opportunity for Adrian Newey to build road cars with Ferrari is the key factor that could result in the Scuderia signing the design genius, according to a former F1 star.

It was announced last month that Newey is to leave Red Bull early next year after what will be 19 years' service. At present, the 65-year-old has overseen the team winning seven drivers' titles and six constructors' championships.

With Red Bull and Max Verstappen again leading the way this year, although coming under a renewed challenge from McLaren and Ferrari, there is a possibility Newey could add to his remarkable tally.

At present, Newey has yet to announce his plans for the future, although he did make it clear in a recent podcast with manager Eddie Jordan that he would "have a bit of a holiday", before "at some point, I'll probably go again".

Ferrari has been heavily linked with Newey, even before the esteemed designer confirmed he would be leaving Red Bull, with the Englishman seen as a key piece in the puzzle to it becoming champions again.

Newey is understood to have previously stated he has no desire to move to Italy to be close to the team's Maranello factory.

Juan Pablo Montoya, who worked with Newey during the Colombian's time at McLaren in 2005 and 2006, feels Newey could be tempted to sign for the Scuderia - on one condition.

Montoya, who feels Newey being in need of a rest is "a good excuse more than anything else", told RacingNews365: "I think the only reason he would go to Ferrari is if he could get to build road cars.

"If Ferrari said, 'The next five supercars you're in charge of, and you've got to build the F1 car', I think he would jump on that opportunity in a heartbeat because he likes pushing beyond what's possible."

Referring to the RB17 hypercar project he is due to complete before leaving Red Bull, Montoya added: "He's done that Red Bull Car, which is supposed to be insane. But it's a Red Bull car, not a Ferrari. It's about the badge, whether you like it or not."

Although hailing Newey for what he has achieved, as well as being "a very quiet character and a very nice guy", Montoya feels Red Bull will not miss the Englishman when he leaves despite the impending change to the regulations.

With new power unit and aerodynamic rules being introduced in 2026, Montoya said: "I don't see Red Bull failing. There's work to be done but I think they've hired the right people to get that job done."