Mercedes boss Toto Wolff explains why Adrian Newey was not an option for the team

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has opened up on why the German squad didn't approach Adrian Newey in the same manner as some of its rivals. The aero wizard announced his departure from Red Bull earlier in the season in what was a shock to everyone. He had been part of the Austrian outfit for almost two decades and had won multiple world titles.

Interestingly, Newey called time on his Red Bull stint when the team was dominating at the front of the grid and was the runaway favorite.

As it turns out, Newey is now going to Aston Martin and will be a shareholder within the team as well. He did have extended chats with multiple teams on the grid. In the end, it came down to Ferrari and Aston Martin, and the Brit chose the Silverstone-based squad.

Wolff was questioned why and if the German team didn't pursue Newey like a lot of his rivals, and according to the Austrian, it came down to the fact that the German team didn't think Newey fit with the plans and the structure that the team had. As quoted by PlanetF1, Wolff said,

“Every team gave it a thought. James and I discussed it, collaborated about it, and then came to the conclusion that the structure we have today is the one that we have faith in and that we want to continue [with]. Having said that, both of us have great respect for Newey, but we passed on that one because we believe in our team at this stage.”

Mercedes boss thinks Aston Martin has become a potent threat after Newey's signing

Toto Wolff also commented on Aston Martin acquiring Adrian Newey's services and felt that slowly but steadily the Silverstone-based team is starting to become a potent challenger.

With Newey joining the likes of Enrico Cardile, Dan Fallows, Eric Blandin, and others, Aston Martin has become a formidable force now. Talking about the team, he said,

“I think the track record that Adrian has in Formula 1 speaks for itself. He is a great designer – the greatest designer in Formula 1 when you look at the stats and, if you combine it with someone like Andy Cowell, who is, for me, one of the strongest leaders I’ve ever met in any industry, they can make that work. I think it’s a package to be reckoned with."

Mercedes has a strong lineup, with James Allison leading the way already. With that being said, Newey is always going to be a valuable addition to any team, and his being part of Aston Martin is certainly going to benefit them.