Ferrari is reportedly making moves to attract a trio of engineers from Red Bull who have been integral to the success of the RB20, a formidable force in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s recent victories at the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Bahrain Grand Prix further highlight Red Bull’s growing dominance in the sport.
Despite Red Bull’s on-track success, sources suggest that Ferrari sees an opportunity amidst the team’s off-track controversies. They aim to entice key personnel who work closely with Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache, a trusted confidant of Adrian Newey.
Reports indicate that Ferrari has made repeated attempts to court Wache, with the most recent being last year. With the upcoming 2026 regulations shaping the future of F1, every team is expected to prioritize their development efforts accordingly.
While Lewis Hamilton’s impending move from Mercedes to Ferrari has garnered attention, Ferrari is also focusing on bolstering its engineering lineup for the long term.
The extended “gardening leave” periods associated with key engineers suggest that Ferrari may seek to secure new talent soon to ensure readiness by 2026.
Already, Ferrari has welcomed Loic Serra from Mercedes into a senior role within Fred Vasseur’s team. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to lure Newey away from Red Bull, Ferrari may see a renewed opportunity amid the ongoing turmoil within the Red Bull camp.
The recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been dubbed as “the beginning of the hunt for Adrian Newey.” Speculation surrounds Newey’s future, with reports suggesting that it is “not tied” to Max Verstappen’s. Sources indicate that Newey may be feeling the strain of the tense environment at Red Bull.
Ferrari’s appeal lies not only in its F1 program but also in opportunities to work on road cars, endurance cars, and even boats—a passion of Newey’s. Additionally, the reportedly more flexible hierarchy within Ferrari’s structure could be enticing for Newey and other potential recruits from Red Bull.
