Profitable requires greater than only a quick automotive; it additionally takes loads of work off-track to effectively handle a construction with over a thousand folks. Frederic Vasseur understands this nicely, and since his arrival at Ferrari, he has not solely strengthened the technical group but in addition the sporting construction to make the group much more aggressive.
One of many novelties for 2025 is Jerome d’Ambrosio, the Deputy Crew 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 group, with 2025 marking their first full season with the Scuderia.
Nonetheless, the 2 have very completely different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the position of technical director, d’Ambrosio can 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 group supervisor. Though his official stint in Formulation 1 lasted solely a 12 months with Marussia in 2011, he labored extensively as a check driver for different groups earlier than racing in numerous classes.
After six seasons as a driver in Formulation E, the Belgian grew to become Deputy Crew 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 high group and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio may also assist the drivers
After a difficult 12 months at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion described the beginning of his Ferrari journey with one phrase: “reinvigorated.” D’Ambrosio additionally seen this, emphasizing that Hamilton is actually glad on this “honeymoon part” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very nicely. Lewis is de facto glad to be a part of the group and very motivated by this problem. We will’t anticipate Bahrain, the place issues will get critical. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily glad to be right here and who shook palms with 1,500 folks on his first day. He actually wished to introduce himself to everybody,” the Deputy Crew Principal informed Automoto.it.
“One factor that helped him is having his personal entourage, his administration. Since I already knew them from my earlier position, I knew what to anticipate and what wanted to be tailored to the brand new setting.”
A helpful side of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s presence is his earlier expertise as a driver, which permits him to offer 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 very best 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 group, what occurs within the automotive, and rather more. Nevertheless it’s essential to set boundaries as a result of Charles and Lewis are among the many best drivers ever. They don’t want anybody to show them the best way to race.” – he added.
Complementary position with Fred Vasseur, however he received’t attend all races
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s position is successfully complementary to Fred Vasseur’s, helping him in most races however not at all times being current on the observe. 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 should rely upon how the 2026 mission evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many alternative points, and considered one of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some tasks so he can deal with others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There isn’t a strict division of tasks. I can deal with engineering issues, monetary points, or human assets matters.” – the Belgian identified.
“We work this fashion as a result of our places of work are proper throughout from one another. We discuss at the least twenty occasions a day, and we don’t really feel the necessity to change something as a result of every little thing works completely. Earlier than I arrived, Fred was overloaded with work, and I assist him in each manner potential.” – he concluded.
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