Ferrari makes a big move: new technical reinforcement arrives in Maranello
Ferrari is reshaping its technical department with a major addition that could prove vital in the upcoming Formula 1 seasons. The Scuderia has officially confirmed the arrival of Franck Sanchez, who will take over as the new head of aerodynamic development. This appointment is strategically timed with the 2026 rule changes, where aerodynamics will once again become a decisive factor in performance.
Franck Sanchez is by no means a newcomer to the Formula 1 paddock. He began his career back in 2001 with Prost Grand Prix as a wind tunnel engineer before moving to Toyota Motorsport, where he worked until 2009. Following that, he became a central figure at Toro Rosso, later known as AlphaTauri, spending nearly a decade refining his expertise in aerodynamics. Since 2021, he has been leading the aerodynamics department at the Sauber Group, where he worked until 2025, gaining further experience at the highest level of competition.
The agreement with Ferrari was not finalized recently but had already been secured at the start of 2025. In January, Franck Sanchez signed with the Maranello-based team but, as required by Formula 1 regulations, he had to observe a period of “gardening leave” before being able to officially begin his role. This enforced break kept him away from any immediate work, but from September 2025 onwards, he will be fully operational within the Racing Division headquarters in Maranello.
His expertise is expected to play a decisive role. With the complete regulatory reset that Formula 1 will introduce in 2026, aerodynamics is once again set to become a key performance differentiator. Teams that manage to interpret the new rules more effectively will be able to secure a significant advantage from the outset. Ferrari, which is still searching for its first race victory of the 2025 season but currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship, is betting on Sanchez’s know-how to be ready for the fierce battle against McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes.
This move is a clear sign of Ferrari’s long-term vision. By bringing in a figure of Franck Sanchez’s caliber, the team confirms its determination to return to the top and fight consistently for the Formula 1 World Championship. The new signing is not just about the present but about laying strong foundations for the future, with the aim of re-establishing the Prancing Horse as a dominant force in the sport’s upcoming era.
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