The Ferrari announcement of two key signings from Mercedes follows Lewis Hamilton’s move from Brackley to Maranello.
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In a bold move to strengthen its engineering and management teams, Ferrari has announced the signings of Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio from Mercedes.
Both appointments, effective from October 1st, represent Ferrari’s intent to revamp its Formula 1 operations and reclaim its status at the pinnacle of the sport.
Loic Serra
Serra, Mercedes’ former Performance Director, will be joining Ferrari as the Head of Chassis Performance Engineering. Reporting directly to Technical Chief Enrico Cardile, Serra is expected to bring his extensive expertise to Maranello.
His journey in F1 began with Michelin, where he worked as an engineer. Following Michelin’s departure from the sport at the end of 2006, he transferred to BMW Sauber. When BMW withdrew, Serra found his next opportunity at Mercedes where he has called home ever since.
Over the years, he climbed the ranks within the team, ultimately becoming the team’s Performance Director. Many would credit his work in vehicle dynamics as an instrumental factor into Mercedes’ past dominance, making his move to Ferrari a significant appointment as we head into new regulations.
Jerome d’Ambrosio
Joining Serra at Ferrari is Jerome d’Ambrosio, who leaves his position as Driver Development Director at Mercedes to take on the role of Deputy Team Principal at Ferrari. D’Ambrosio will work closely with Fred Vasseur, the current Team Principal.
It is Vasseur who, along with John Elkann, appear to be creating a dynasty.
D’Ambrosio’s motorsport career has been diverse and dynamic – two qualities Ferrari is looking to improve. As a driver, he debuted in F1 with Marussia Virgin Racing in 2011 and later stepped in for a race with Lotus in 2012.
After his F1 stint, he shifted to GT racing before becoming one of the early participants in the Formula E championship, where he later drove for Mahindra.
Beyond driving, his leadership skills became evident during his tenure at Venturi Racing, where he was first the Deputy Team Principal to Susie Wolff and then the Team Principal, up until the partnership with Maserati.
He soon joined Mercedes where he was seen as a key figure within Team Principal Toto Wolff’s succession plan. However, his decision to join Ferrari, despite the significance he held at Mercedes, implies the impact of the German team’s downfall alongside Ferrari’s ambitions for the future.
The Hamilton Factor
As previously reported, Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari in 2025 adds another layer of intrigue to these appointments.
Serra and d’Ambrosio’s history with Hamilton at Mercedes could provide a seamless transition for the seven-time world champion when he dons the iconic red suit.
Time will tell if Vasseur’s plan will be successful and the glory days of Ferrari will return. There is no doubt that fans of the team have an exciting time to look forward to.
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