F1, Ferrari: after the official announcement of Loic Serra, more additions to technical department will follow
09/05/2024 08:33 AM
Ferrari today made the official announcement of a new that was already known to everyone.
A Formula 1 team must have a strong, prepared, and cohesive team to win. A working group that provides the necessary stability to start a cycle, make it grow, and, once mature, allow it to fight at the top. Continuous personnel changes are not at all functional to this type of objective. With the “departure” of Mattia Binotto and the arrival of Frederic Vasseur, the loyalists of the bespectacled engineer have progressively left the headquarters of the Maranello team. Some by their own choice, others “gently” shown the door.
In this scenario, working becomes a real ordeal, and it is also for this reason that, considering Ferrari’s numbers, comparing the 2024 Formula 1 championship to that of 2023, praise must certainly go to the Prancing Horse. Starting off well, their goal was not to win the world championship. However, as Frederic Vasseur himself maintains, the idea of winning the constructors’ title has not faded. The digression on the subject is valid in this case because, although the targets have been achieved so far, looking at the current championship level, the opportunity to put trophies on the shelf was ripe.
We are referring to the drivers’ standings led by three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. If the red team had not suffered a technical decline due to the aerodynamic updates introduced at the Circuit de Catalunya in the Spanish Grand Prix, caused by evaluation errors on the floor, Ferrari could have seriously competed with the Dutchman and challenged him for the drivers’ championship. A real shame. Perhaps, with the cohesive group mentioned earlier, things could have been different. Yes, because when your technical director resigns and signs for another team, it means something went wrong.
Enrico Cardile's decision didn't come about in a few days. Lawrence Stroll had been courting him for some time. The North American magnate convinced him with a dream project to arrive in 2026 super-prepared: brand new facilities, an exclusive agreement with Honda for power unit supply, and the arrival of a certain Adrian Newey. All of this “sprinkled” with a multi-million-dollar deal and a true leadership position within the team. Enrico Cardile said yes, leaving the red team in the difficulties that arose under his management. The mere chronology of events tells this story.
Nothing is permanent, especially in Formula 1. Throughout the history of the top motorsport category, those involved have often switched teams. The intention, as always in these cases, is to strengthen one's position, convinced by enticing offers. This is the case with Loic Serra, who after several years spent within the Mercedes working group, chose to leave Brackley to move to the hills of Maranello. Strongly courted by the current Ferrari team principal, the Frenchman joins the red team.
Scuderia Ferrari therefore officially appoints Loic Serra as Technical Director Chassis. The French technician, born in 1972, as previously announced, will join the team starting from October 1st. In this new role, The French Formula 1 engineer will report directly to Team Principal Fred Vasseur. Loic Serra will oversee the Chassis Project Engineering division, led by Fabio Montecchi; Vehicle Performance, led by Marco Adurno; Aerodynamics, led by Diego Tondi; Track Engineering, led by Matteo Togninalli; and Chassis Operations, led by Diego Ioverno, who also retains the role of Sporting Director.
The news was announced during the weekend of the Monza Grand Prix. It's a confirmation that finally becomes reality after the “loss” of Enrico Cardile. The former Mercedes engineer is a man of great technical expertise, particularly in tire performance within the aero-mechanical interaction of the car. His influence is already being felt. We’ve mentioned it several times because, although the Frenchman theoretically cannot yet enter the headquarters of the Ferrari Racing Division, his directives for improving tire management have already been adopted by Ferrari.
Under his leadership, the most successful F1 team in history wants to return to its former glory. John Elkann believes Loic Serra is the right man to lead the Italian team toward the much-desired goals. Although he has never held this position before, the know-how he gained at Mercedes will be invaluable. Starting from October 1st, we will see him in red at the pit wall. He is described as a "top guy" by Frderic Vasseur himself, who has no doubts about his fellow countryman's future performance at the helm of the Prancing Horse.
Adrian Newey will no longer be joining Ferrari, as we know his long list of demands did not sit well with the Italian team. The legendary former Red Bull engineer will certainly bring success to the British team, namely Aston Martin, but let’s not forget that he has also lost. He did so against Mercedes at the start of the turbo hybrid era, for example, or when he was with McLaren and was defeated by the dominance of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari. The Maranello team preferred not to disrupt a certain balance, believing that the British designer’s high demands would cause upheaval.
It is not for us to judge whether this reasoning is correct or not. Moreover, it could well be that Adrian Newey, after evaluating the various offers, decided to join Aston Martin, finding it more suitable. The fact remains, returning to Ferrari, that Loic Serra’s responsibility in the near future is immense. He will be the one to lead the technical group in the climb back to the top, something Maranello has been longing for over the past 16 long years. It remains to be seen how the team will be completed, as we know other key figures are expected in the coming months.
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