New technical organization for Ferrari
After a failed start to the season, Ferrari was forced to revise its technical organization, with the creation of a new performance department.
Saying that the start of the season is far from expectations at Maranello is undoubtedly the understatement of the year. Currently, the second place secured by Charles Leclerc in the first race appears more and more like a small miracle each day, as the Italian car seems to be lagging behind the competition, given that the Monegasque was unable to score points under normal conditions during the Budapest race.
In this context, the Italian press, always very influential, was quick to call for the dismissal of the leaders, starting with Mattia Binotto. It must be said that he holds the responsibilities of team principal as well as technical director, his previous position. In a year where the Concorde Agreements also need to be renegotiated, this can be a lot for one man.
The Scuderia has therefore announced a new technical organization, with the creation of a new performance department, which will be entrusted to Enrico Cardile, who has been responsible for aerodynamics until now. However, in detail, the organization remains essentially the same with Enrico Gualtieri remaining head of the engine department, Laurent Mekies retaining his position as sporting director, and Simone Resta still heading the chassis department.
However, Ferrari’s performance issues are currently multiple, starting with the loss of power from its engine, deemed at the limit of regulations last season. Without this added power, the limitations of the chassis become all the more glaring. The sum of it all places Ferrari in fifth position in the Constructors’ standings, nearly 100 points behind Mercedes.
Is adding a new level while keeping the same people in the same positions going to quickly reverse the trend? Mattia Binotto seems convinced: “We believe that Ferrari employees are among the best and that we have nothing to envy from our competitors, but we must change quickly by raising the bar in terms of responsibilities for department heads. We’ve said it many times, but it’s worth repeating: we have laid the foundations of a process that will allow us to reestablish a new virtuous circle of victories. It will take time and we will encounter setbacks like the one we are currently facing. However, we must react with strength and determination to return to the highest level as soon as possible.”
Did you say ostrich policy?
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
