Leo Turrini reveals backstory of Enrico Cardile's Ferrari exit: "He did not get along with Vasseur"

09/08/2024 08:53 AM

Frederic Vasseur did not mince words when, in the summer of 2023, he said that Ferrari would “make noise” with the moves he initiated after arriving in Maranello to strengthen the Racing Department following a disappointing start to the season that saw Ferrari drop to fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. Twelve months later, despite a situation not too dissimilar (with a slight recovery in the last races after a period of crisis and, in any case, three two wins so far in the 2024 Formula 1 campaign), since the SF-24 has still been the third/fourth strongest on the field in most races, the promises made by the French manager have been kept. Since the beginning of the year, Fréd announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton, starting in 2025, and the renewal of Charles Leclerc’s contract, continuing with the strengthening of the technical department.

After securing the services of about 60 junior figures between late 2023 and early 2024, poached from several rival teams, the technical staff led by Fred Vasseur himself—who took the role temporarily after Enrico Cardile’s resignation to join Aston Martin—was reinforced, as announced in recent months, by two “top guys” from Mercedes: Loic Serra and Jerome D’Ambrosio. The former, ex-performance chief, has been confirmed in the role of technical director chassis at Ferrari, while the latter will assist the team principal, becoming his deputy.

These moves are significant but not yet complete, as the final technical structure of the Scuderia will continue to be strengthened with new additions.

This is because, after Enrico Cardile’s departure, and with others potentially leaving as well, Ferrari is bringing in new specialized figures to strengthen the technical staff in areas of weakness and, if possible, is trying to retain the most valuable and functional technicians for the project. Among the additions, as learned in recent days, is Frederic Cazals, a former Red Bull technician where, among various roles, he was an aerodynamic engineer: a valuable addition given his experience with simulation systems and CAD design, which the aerodynamics department, led by Diego Tondi, along with Loic Serra and Fabio Montecchi, will incorporate into the new triumvirate heading the technical office, taking over the functions formerly held by Italian aerodynamicist Enrico Cardile.

And it was precisely about the sudden departure of the former Ferrari technical director that Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini wanted to speak on his blog “Profondo Rosso,” revealing important details about the abrupt exit of Enrico Cardile and his decision to move to Aston Martin.

The departure was prompted by both an enticing offer from Lawrence Stroll, who put five times the salary Enrico Cardile received at Maranello on the table, and also accelerated by significant differences in views and frequent misunderstandings between the former technical director and the Ferrari team principal. A lack of harmony that, given the importance of the individuals involved, could not have led to a long and peaceful coexistence between the two.

“Enrico Cardile did not get along with Fred Vasseur. Lawrence Stroll offered him a salary five times what he earned at Maranello. Would you have stayed to earn six times less with a boss you didn't appreciate?” – the Italian journalist explained.

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