Profitable requires greater than only a quick automobile; it additionally takes quite a lot 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 additionally 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.
Nonetheless, the 2 have very totally different backgrounds. Whereas Serra has taken on the function 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 crew supervisor. Though his official stint in Components 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 Components E, the Belgian turned 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 crew and collaborated with Lewis Hamilton, whom he’ll now reunite with at Ferrari.
Jerome D’Ambrosio also can 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 actually glad on this “honeymoon section” with the Scuderia.
“What issues is how issues are going now, and I’d say very properly. Lewis is actually glad to be a part of the crew and intensely motivated by this problem. We are able to’t anticipate Bahrain, the place issues will get critical. I see somebody who’s extraordinarily glad to be right here and who shook arms 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 function, I knew what to anticipate and what wanted to be tailored to the brand new atmosphere.”
A helpful facet 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 very best 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. However 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 race.” – he added.
Complementary function with Fred Vasseur, however he gained’t attend all races
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s function is successfully complementary to Fred Vasseur’s, aiding him in most races however not all the time being current on the monitor. In some cases, 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’ll depend upon how the 2026 venture evolves.
Being Ferrari’s Crew Principal means overseeing many alternative facets, and one in all Jerome d’Ambrosio’s duties is to alleviate Fred Vasseur of some obligations so he can concentrate on others: “Vasseur and I are complementary; we divide duties. There isn’t a strict division of obligations. I can deal with engineering issues, monetary points, or human assets matters.” – the Belgian identified.
“We work this fashion as a result of our workplaces are proper throughout from one another. We speak not less than 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 assist him in each means potential.” – he concluded.
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