Ferrari shocked by Newey's salary demands, 'Switch seems far away'

The fact that Newey and Ferrari have been talking to each other is an open secret. However, a deal is reportedly not yet in place and, according to the aforementioned medium, that also seems far away. According to sources - who are close to Ferrari - CEO Benedetto Vigna is spooked by the salary Newey would want to pocket at the Maranello-based team. Moreover, Vigna fears that too much power would fall to Newey.

However, the top engineer also has other irons in the fire. Aston Martin would love to take Newey on and Williams and McLaren - two teams where Newey had successes before the Red Bull era - have also expressed their interest. Where Newey's own preferences lie is unknown.

What does Newey want?

Incidentally, it is not yet 100 per cent certain that Newey will join another formation in the premier class of motorsport at all. The 65-year-old Briton hinted in an interview with The Times this week,"I need a break to find out if I want to try again in F1."

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.