Behind the scenes at Ferrari, a key human element moves for 2026: reorganization comes at a critical moment while the paddock watches
In the world of Formula 1, it’s not just the cars that make headlines. Sometimes, the most interesting signals come from off the track, hidden among official statements and internal reorganizations. This is the case with Ferrari, which on the eve of the 2026 season has decided to intervene in one of its most sensitive departments: communications.
After seven years leading Ferrari F1’s communications, Silvia Hoffer Frangipane is leaving her operational role within the racing team to take on a new position in Ferrari’s corporate communications. Although presented as a natural transition, this change comes at a crucial moment for the Prancing Horse, which is fully focused on building its sporting and technical future.
Frangipane arrived in Maranello in 2019 after a long career at McLaren and a background that traces back to 1990s Formula 1, including stints at Williams and Minardi. During her time at Ferrari, she managed the public image of the team in one of the most challenging periods, navigating leadership changes, inconsistent results, and relentless media pressure.
Stepping into her role, at least temporarily, will be Maria Conti. A heavyweight figure, Maria Conti joined Ferrari in November 2025 as Chief Communications Officer for the brand, reporting directly to CEO Benedetto Vigna. Her career speaks volumes: experience with Maserati Corse, Alfa Romeo, BMW, and Mini, along with a vision clearly focused on integrating tradition and innovation. This approach could prove central to how Ferrari tells its story in the coming years.
Other teams are also reorganizing
Ferrari is not the only team making moves. Red Bull appointed Benjamin Ippoliti as its new communications director, marking another significant change following the departure of Paul Smith in 2025. Ippoliti comes from extensive experience within Red Bull, spanning both sports and corporate roles, and reports directly to sporting director Laurent Mekies.
Changes are also underway in Faenza, where Racing Bulls promoted Alexandra Horton to head communications, and at Williams, where Dominique-Heyer Wright takes over the media department. These shifts are signs of a paddock in constant motion, where managing team image is becoming increasingly strategic.
In Formula 1, nothing is by chance. And when a team like Ferrari decides to change its voice, it may be worth paying even closer attention to what lies ahead.
The timing of these high-level communication shifts across the grid underscores just how much is at stake as Formula 1 enters the 2026 technical cycle. By moving a seasoned veteran like Silvia Hoffer Frangipane into a corporate role and bringing brand-focused leadership like Maria Conti closer to the Scuderia, Ferrari is likely looking to harmonize its racing identity with its global luxury status. As teams like Red Bull and Williams follow suit with their own media reshuffles, it’s clear that the battle for the 2026 championship will be fought just as fiercely in the press room and on social media as it is in the wind tunnel.
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