F1 Rumour: Ferrari Gain Major New Recruit In Huge Blow For Red Bull
Ferrari has been quietly working on a plan to strengthen their technical staff with top talent from rival teams. The Italian automaker is reportedly targeting over ten technicians, with two key figures coming from Red Bull including the person behind their incredibly efficient DRS (drag reduction system).
Among the targets is Enrico Balbo, former Red Bull aerodynamic manager. But the most intriguing target is a mysterious unnamed engineer who played a crucial role in setting up Red Bull's DRS for their RB19 car. This engineer is reportedly already working with Ferrari to develop their SF-23 car, which the team hopes will close the gap in top speed with Red Bull.
It was confirmed last week that Ferrari race director Laurent Mekies will be leaving the team to take Franz Tost's role at AlphaTauri as team principal. However, the date of his move is yet to be released. The move has undoubtedly caused some tension between Ferrari and Red Bull.
Mekies has yet to complete his gardening period, which is required before joining a new team. However, Ferrari is reportedly using Mekies' resignation as leverage in negotiations with Red Bull for a discount on Balbo's gardening period in exchange for the same treatment with Mekies.
Despite the tension, both parties are expected to come to an agreement soon. Ferrari is keen to have their new talent on board as soon as possible, especially with the 2024 single-seater project already underway.
In the meantime, Ferrari is also considering internal candidates to take on Mekies' duties. Diego Ioverno and Jock Clear are among the top contenders for the role, with Ferrari preferring to hire from within the team.
The recruitment strategy shows Ferrari's commitment to regaining their dominant position in Formula 1. With the right talent in place, the team is poised to take on Red Bull and other competitors, and deliver the results that fans have come to expect from this iconic automaker.
The Maranello-based squad achieved their first podium of the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Charles Leclerc crossing the line in third position as well as taking pole position for both the grand prix and sprint race. Despite the improvement in performance, the team are reserving their confidence acknowledging that it could be track specific.
Racing will return on the 5-7 May for the Miami Grand Prix.