Successful requires greater than only a quick automotive; it additionally takes quite a lot of work off-track to effectively handle a construction with over a thousand individuals. Frederic Vasseur understands this nicely, and since his arrival at Ferrari, he has not solely strengthened the technical group but additionally 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.
Nevertheless, the 2 have very completely different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the position 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 group supervisor. Though his official stint in Method 1 lasted solely a yr with Marussia in 2011, he labored extensively as a take a look at 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 group and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio also can 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 really joyful on this “honeymoon section” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very nicely. Lewis is de facto joyful to be a part of the group and intensely motivated by this problem. We are able to’t await Bahrain, the place issues will get critical. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily joyful to be right here and who shook fingers with 1,500 individuals 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 position, I knew what to anticipate and what wanted to be tailored to the brand new surroundings.”
A priceless side 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 the most effective 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 group, what occurs within the automotive, and far more. However it’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 position with Fred Vasseur, however he gained’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 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 remains to be undecided, as it can rely on how the 2026 challenge evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many various features, and one in all Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some tasks so he can concentrate on others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There is no such thing as a strict division of tasks. I can deal with engineering issues, monetary points, or human assets matters.” – the Belgian identified.
“We work this manner as a result of our workplaces are proper throughout from one another. We discuss not 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 manner doable.” – he concluded.
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