Ferrari Reshapes Its Technical Team: Aerodynamics Experts Join Rival Teams
The Ferrari Formula 1 team is undergoing another significant internal reshuffle as it prepares for the 2026 season. Months after the 2024 season saw a major organizational overhaul initiated by Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, Maranello continues to attract and lose top-tier technical talent. This transformation began with the departure of former Technical Director Enrico Cardile and was followed by a wave of strategic hires aimed at reinventing the iconic Scuderia Ferrari with a modern structure, breaking away from the legacy framework left by Mattia Binotto.
During this ongoing period of personnel restructuring, the team welcomed Loic Serra as the new Technical Director, along with other specialized engineers who strengthened key departments. Despite these additions, the evolution of Ferrari’s technical squad is far from complete. Even in mid-2025, Maranello is actively seeking the optimal mix of expertise to ensure the team is fully prepared to challenge for championships in 2026. The past weeks have been particularly dynamic, not only due to discussions around Vasseur’s leadership—ultimately settled with his contract renewal—but also because of several strategic exits and internal role adjustments.
Key Departures and Internal Shifts
Among the latest departures, which are not directly linked to on-track performance, is Enrico Racca, the former head of Ferrari’s supply chain operations. Within the Racing Division, there has been a reorganization affecting engineers in crucial areas, confirming the ongoing strategic turnover. A notable appointment was Carlos Galbally Herrero as Ferrari’s new Head of Tire Performance. The Spanish engineer, who has been with Ferrari since 2016 and previously gained experience with Mercedes and Sauber in tire management and simulation roles, will now focus on optimizing tire performance. This role closely mirrors the responsibilities he held during Mattia Binotto’s tenure, highlighting Ferrari’s approach to retaining specialized knowledge while refreshing leadership positions.
Aerodynamics Department Under Transformation
The Ferrari workshop did not experience much calm even after the traditional summer shutdown in August. Upon reopening, sources close to the team, corroborated by Paolo Ciccarone on “RMC Motori,” reported the departure of two aerodynamics engineers. While the precise reasons remain confidential, it is consistent with the strategic turnover emphasized by Frédéric Vasseur. Among those leaving is Ioannis Veloudis, a Greek aerodynamics specialist and former team leader for the front group, who after more than a decade at Maranello, has accepted a role with Sauber, which will transition into Audi in 2026. Ioannis Veloudis’ departure is significant given the impending technical revolution set for the 2026 season. The second aerodynamics engineer has reportedly moved to Mercedes, signaling a broader trend of talent migration among top Formula 1 teams.
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