Despite great appreciation for his work, Mercedes decided not to hire Adrian Newey – Team Principal Toto Wolff explains the background
When it was announced that Adrian Newey was leaving Red Bull, the Formula 1 designer was linked to every major team. In the end, Aston Martin was able to secure the services of the 65-year-old. Ferrari was previously considered the favorite. And Mercedes is also said to have made Newey an offer
When asked about this, team boss Toto Wolff said: “I think Adrian’s track record in Formula 1 speaks for itself. He is a great designer. The greatest designer in Formula 1, if you look at the statistics.”
But despite this recognition, Mercedes ultimately refrained from changing Newey. Wolff does concede that every team in Formula 1 might entertain the idea of hiring someone like Newey.
Mercedes relies on existing structure
But he and Mercedes Technical Director James Allison had come to the conclusion to stick with the existing structure: “James and I talked about it, weighed up the decision and came to the conclusion that the structure we have today is the one we want to keep.”
A key reason why Mercedes decided against Newey is that the team relies heavily on its internal development and training: “We have great respect for Newey, but we decided against it because we believe in our internal training,” emphasizes the team boss.
At the same time, Wolff sees the growing competition from teams such as Aston Martin in a positive light. In addition to Newey, it recently brought former Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell on board, which Wolff recognizes as an impressive “package”.
Wolff expects more competition from Aston
“When you combine Newey with someone like Andy Cowell, who for me is one of the strongest leaders I’ve ever met in any industry, they can make it work. I think it’s a package to be reckoned with, but that’s a good thing,” says the Austrian.
Because it can only be good for the sport if more teams become competitive and challenge the top, Wolff believes: “The more teams at the front, the better.”
“I think that four drivers are now battling it out for the title. And McLaren is initially ahead among the constructors. I wouldn’t have thought that five months ago. So if a team like Aston Martin, which has a big name, can be part of the leading group, that would be fantastic. “