Ferrari has taken a significant step to strengthen its management team by announcing the appointment of racing veteran Jerome d'Ambrosio as deputy team principal. The formal announcement was made on May 13, 2023, and highlights Ferrari's commitment to building a powerful team ahead of the upcoming season.
"I am thrilled to join Ferrari, a team with such a glorious history in Formula One," said Jerome d'Ambrosio, who is set to start his role at the iconic Scuderia headquarters in Maranello on October 1. D'Ambrosio, a former F1 driver who competed in 20 races with teams Marussia and Lotus between 2011 and 2012, is expected to play a pivotal role in assisting team principal Fred Vasseur. Beyond operational duties, he will also lead the Ferrari driver academy, nurturing upcoming talent for the Scuderia.
Previously, D'Ambrosio enjoyed a successful stint as the principal of the Venturi Formula E team. He has also held a key role at Mercedes in the past, primarily focusing on driver development and occasionally stepping in for team principal Toto Wolff.
-competes-with-Ferraris-Monegasque-driver-Charles-Leclerc.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
"With a wealth of experience in racing and team management, Jerome is the perfect fit for Ferrari during this transformational phase of our journey," stated Vasseur. The strategic recruitment comes as Ferrari aims to reestablish itself as a frontrunner in Formula One, especially as other teams solidify their competitive edge.
In addition to D'Ambrosio, Ferrari has confirmed Loic Serra as the new head of chassis performance engineering. Serra, who has been linked with a move to the Maranello team since July 2022, will oversee aerodynamic development and vehicle performance, reporting directly to technical director Enrico Cardile.
"I am excited to take on this new challenge with Ferrari, a name synonymous with racing excellence," said Serra. Having spent over a decade with Mercedes, Serra was integral to their unprecedented success, contributing to a streak of eight consecutive constructors' championships from 2014 to 2021.
The coalescence of D'Ambrosio and Serra signals Ferrari's clear intention to leverage the insights and expertise gained from its closest rivals, positioning itself for greater success in the ever-competitive landscape of Formula One.
As the new team members prepare to settle in, the forthcoming season promises to be a critical period for Ferrari. With substantial changes underway within the organization, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these appointments impact the team's performance on the track.
Ferrari's announcements underline a renewed ambition within the organization to reclaim its historic place at the top of Formula One, blending fresh talent with the established expertise necessary for technological advancement and competitive resilience.
