Charles Leclerc has expressed that he retains “200 per cent” trust in Ferrari despite the news that Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey will not be moving to the team.
Aston Martin announced earlier this week the much-expected news that Newey will be coming on board in March 2025 as the side’s new Managing Technical Partner.
The Briton choosing Aston Martin as his next venture had long been anticipated, but Ferrari was tipped as the initial leading name once his Red Bull exit was revealed.
But while Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur admitted that discussions had taken place, the Frenchman disclosed that a disagreement prompted such talks to break down.
However, Leclerc, who branded Newey’s potential addition as “amazing” earlier this term, has denied he is upset Ferrari has missed out on F1’s most revered designer.
Instead, the Monegasque has concurred with Vasseur’s assessment that the Maranello-based squad’s route to return to the front is dependent on the collective group.
“No, there are no disappointments,” Leclerc, who has a contract with Ferrari through 2028, said. “It’s not like we haven’t tried or haven’t spoken to Adrian.
“So, I knew, I know that there were talks. Then he made his decision. We respect his decision.
“And at the end, as Ferrari, we have always considered more the group than the actual individual.”
“Of course, Adrian has done amazing things. But on our side, we’ve got an amazing group.”
“I have no doubts that going forward, we have an extremely strong team to come back at the top.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari was also on the search to replace Enrico Cardile, who was the team’s Chassis Technical Director until he elected to agree a switch to Aston Martin.
The Italian marque has since published its revised technical structure last week, which will see the incoming Loic Serra from Mercedes become its Technical Director.
Leclerc, who has seized two wins this term to sit third in the championship, has reiterated that he has complete faith in the vision Vasseur has implemented at Ferrari.
“I’m really happy with the structure,” Leclerc continued. “And obviously, it’s Fred’s job to try and put the team in the best possible place to try and win races.
“And I 200 per cent trust Fred. I’m completely on board with his vision. It’s a continuous process of trying to improve Ferrari and to get better year after year.
“And we are in the middle of this process. But I’m super happy with the way he sees things and the things he does.”
