Successful requires greater than only a quick automotive; it additionally takes a whole lot of work off-track to effectively handle a construction with over a thousand individuals. Frederic Vasseur understands this properly, and since his arrival at Ferrari, he has not solely strengthened the technical group but in addition the sporting construction to make the staff much more aggressive.
One of many novelties for 2025 is Jerome d’Ambrosio, the Deputy Group Principal, who arrived from Mercedes alongside one other main technical determine, Loic Serra. Each joined Ferrari in late 2024 and have begun integrating into the staff, with 2025 marking their first full season with the Scuderia.
Nonetheless, the 2 have very completely different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the function of technical director, d’Ambrosio might be primarily concerned on the sporting aspect, serving as Fred Vasseur’s deputy.
D’Ambrosio brings to Ferrari a twin expertise in motorsport, each as a driver and as a staff supervisor. Though his official stint in Components 1 lasted solely a yr with Marussia in 2011, he labored extensively as a check driver for different groups earlier than racing in several classes.
After six seasons as a driver in Components E, the Belgian grew to become Deputy Group Principal of Venturi in the identical sequence, working alongside Susie Wolff earlier than taking full cost on the finish of 2021. Following this expertise in electrical racing, Jerome d’Ambrosio moved to Mercedes to work alongside Toto Wolff, the place he gained perception into the workings of a prime staff and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio may assist the drivers
After a difficult yr at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion described the beginning of his Ferrari journey with one phrase: “reinvigorated.” D’Ambrosio additionally observed this, emphasizing that Hamilton is actually pleased on this “honeymoon part” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very properly. Lewis is absolutely pleased to be a part of the staff and very motivated by this problem. We are able to’t look ahead to Bahrain, the place issues will get critical. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily pleased to be right here and who shook arms with 1,500 individuals on his first day. He actually wished to introduce himself to everybody,” the Deputy Group Principal advised Automoto.it.
“One factor that helped him is having his personal entourage, his administration. Since I already knew them from my earlier function, I knew what to anticipate and what wanted to be tailored to the brand new atmosphere.”
A precious facet of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s presence is his earlier expertise as a driver, which permits him to supply a unique perspective on the sensations and feelings of these behind the wheel in comparison with a purely technical determine. He highlighted this himself, although with humility, acknowledging that he’s working with two of the most effective drivers on the grid.
“For me, it’s simple to empathize with the drivers as a result of I do know what they really feel. I perceive the dynamics between drivers and the staff, what occurs within the automotive, and way more. But it surely’s necessary to set boundaries as a result of Charles and Lewis are among the many biggest drivers ever. They don’t want anybody to show them tips on how to race.” – he added.
Complementary function with Fred Vasseur, however he received’t attend all races
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s function is successfully complementary to Fred Vasseur’s, aiding him in most races however not all the time being current on the monitor. In some cases, he’ll function Vasseur’s right-hand man from the manufacturing unit.
For instance, the Belgian has already revealed that he is not going to attend the Chinese language Grand Prix to keep away from leaving the manufacturing unit understaffed for too lengthy, because the Chinese language spherical is the second leg of a doubleheader removed from Italy, adopted by the Japanese Grand Prix after which races within the Center East. The precise plan for the remainder of the season remains to be undecided, as it would rely upon how the 2026 undertaking evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Group Principal means overseeing many alternative elements, and considered one of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some duties so he can give attention to others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There isn’t a strict division of duties. I can deal with engineering issues, monetary points, or human sources subjects.” – the Belgian identified.
“We work this fashion as a result of our places of work are proper throughout from one another. We speak a minimum of twenty instances a day, and we don’t really feel the necessity to change something as a result of all the things works completely. Earlier than I arrived, Fred was overloaded with work, and I assist him in each means potential.” – he concluded.
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