The official announcement came in July 2024—Enrico Cardile, one of the most highly regarded figures in Ferrari’s organizational structure, would leave Maranello to join Aston Martin in Silverstone. Lawrence Stroll’s team has been working to build a roster of top experts to propel the green outfit to the pinnacle of Formula 1. After securing Adrian Newey, the British team also landed the Italian engineer. However, just days before the new season begins, this move no longer seems as straightforward as it initially appeared.
Enrico Cardile was undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures within the Italian Scuderia. He joined Maranello in 2016 and steadily climbed the ranks over the years. From head of aerodynamic development to chassis engineering director, he eventually became technical director with the arrival of Fred Vasseur in 2023. It can be said that the SF-24, the car that came within reach of the world title last year, bore his signature.
Midway through last season, however, amid ongoing speculation about a possible move by Adrian Newey to Ferrari, Cardile decided to leave the team and head to Silverstone. However, his work with Aston Martin would not begin immediately. Like others in similar positions, he was required to observe a gardening leave period—a mandatory break during which he could not work for any other team. As a result, the AMR25 project will not bear the signature of either Enrico Cardile or the renowned British engineer, who is in the same situation.
Further complicating matters for the Tuscan engineer is another issue—Ferrari has requested an extension of his gardening leave to a full twelve months. The matter was brought before the Modena Court, which issued its ruling just hours ago.
The court has ordered Enrico Cardile to immediately cease any form of collaboration with Aston Martin until July 18. With this decision, the former Ferrari engineer is temporarily sidelined from the design of the 2026 car—the first under the new regulations—which is set to be developed in close collaboration with Adrian Newey.
Source: f1ingenerale
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