In a strategic move to bolster their Formula 1 team’s performance, Ferrari has announced the recruitment of two key figures from Mercedes, effective October 1, 2024. Former Mercedes employees Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio will join Ferrari in significant roles that are expected to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
The recruitment of Serra and d’Ambrosio comes at a time when Ferrari is making significant changes to its team structure and management. These changes are part of a broader strategy to challenge for the world championship, a title that Ferrari has not won since 2008. The team has also recently secured the services of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, for the 2025 season, signalling their intent to compete at the highest level.
Mercedes Top Brass Join Hands With Ferrari
Loic Serra, a renowned figure in the world of Formula 1 engineering, will take on the role of Head of Chassis Performance Engineering at Ferrari. His appointment is a clear indication of Ferrari’s ambition to improve their car’s performance in future races. Serra’s extensive experience in aerodynamics, which he gained during his tenure at Mercedes, is expected to be a valuable asset in his new position at Ferrari.
Jerome d’Ambrosio, a former Formula 1 driver, will join Ferrari as Deputy Team Principal. This move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the team’s management and strategic decision-making processes. D’Ambrosio’s experience as a driver, coupled with his role as Driver Development Director at Mercedes, is expected to bring a unique perspective to his new role at Ferrari.
Not An Isolated Event By Ferrari
Ferrari’s strategic poaching of talent from Mercedes is not an isolated event. In recent years, there have been several instances of high-profile personnel transfers between the two top F1 teams. This competitive recruitment drive underscores the intense rivalry between Ferrari and Mercedes, both on and off the track.
As Ferrari prepares for the future, these key appointments are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s efforts to challenge for championships in the coming seasons. The impact of these changes will be closely watched by the F1 community as Ferrari looks to regain its position at the top of the sport.
