Profitable requires greater than only a quick automobile; it additionally takes loads of work off-track to effectively handle a construction with over a thousand folks. 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 crew 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 crew, with 2025 marking their first full season with the Scuderia.
Nevertheless, the 2 have very totally different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the function of technical director, d’Ambrosio will probably 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 crew 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 several classes.
After six seasons as a driver in Formulation E, the Belgian grew to become Deputy Crew Principal of Venturi in the identical collection, 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 crew and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio can even 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 observed this, emphasizing that Hamilton is really comfortable on this “honeymoon section” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very properly. Lewis is admittedly comfortable to be a part of the crew and intensely motivated by this problem. We will’t look ahead to Bahrain, the place issues will get severe. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily comfortable 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 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 beneficial side of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s presence is his earlier expertise as a driver, which permits him to supply a special 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 perfect drivers on the grid.
“For me, it’s straightforward to empathize with the drivers as a result of I do know what they really feel. I perceive the dynamics between drivers and the crew, what occurs within the automobile, and far more. Nevertheless it’s vital 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 the way 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 at all times 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 won’t 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 on how the 2026 mission evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many alternative features, and one in all 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 any strict division of tasks. I can deal with engineering issues, monetary points, or human sources subjects.” – the Belgian identified.
“We work this manner as a result of our workplaces are proper throughout from one another. We speak no less than 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 approach attainable.” – he concluded.
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