Successful requires greater than only a quick automotive; it additionally takes numerous 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.
Nonetheless, the 2 have very totally 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 staff supervisor. Though his official stint in Components 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 several classes.
After six seasons as a driver in Components E, the Belgian turned 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 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 yr 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 joyful on this “honeymoon section” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very effectively. Lewis is de facto joyful to be a part of the staff and intensely motivated by this problem. We will’t watch for 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 folks on his first day. He actually needed 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 helpful side of Jerome d’Ambrosio’s presence is his earlier expertise as a driver, which permits him to supply a distinct 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. 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 the best way 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, 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 is not going to 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’s going to rely upon how the 2026 mission evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many alternative points, and one in all Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some duties so he can concentrate on others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There isn’t any strict division of duties. 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 speak a minimum of twenty occasions a day, and we don’t really feel the necessity to change something as a result of all the pieces works completely. Earlier than I arrived, Fred was overloaded with work, and I help him in each approach potential.” – he concluded.
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