Successful requires greater than only a quick automotive; it additionally takes a variety of work off-track to effectively handle a construction with over a thousand folks. Frederic Vasseur understands this effectively, and since his arrival at Ferrari, he has not solely strengthened the technical group but additionally the sporting construction to make the staff 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 staff, with 2025 marking their first full season with the Scuderia.
Nevertheless, the 2 have very completely different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the position of technical director, d’Ambrosio might be primarily concerned on the sporting facet, 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 Method 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 Method 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 prime staff and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio also can help 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 really pleased on this “honeymoon part” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very effectively. Lewis is absolutely pleased to be a part of the staff and very motivated by this problem. We will’t look forward to Bahrain, the place issues will get severe. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily pleased to be right here and who shook fingers with 1,500 folks on his first day. He actually needed 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 priceless facet of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s presence is his earlier expertise as a driver, which permits him to offer 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 one of the 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 staff, what occurs within the automotive, 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 race.” – he added.
Complementary position with Fred Vasseur, however he gained’t attend all races
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s position is successfully complementary to Fred Vasseur’s, aiding him in most races however not at all times being current on the monitor. In some situations, he’ll function Vasseur’s right-hand man from the manufacturing facility.
For instance, the Belgian has already revealed that he won’t attend the Chinese language Grand Prix to keep away from leaving the manufacturing facility 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 continues to be undecided, as it’ll depend upon how the 2026 venture evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many various facets, and one among Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some obligations so he can give attention to others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There isn’t any strict division of obligations. 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 discuss no less than twenty occasions a day, and we don’t really feel the necessity to change something as a result of the whole lot works completely. Earlier than I arrived, Fred was overloaded with work, and I help him in each method potential.” – he concluded.
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