Ferrari’s technical reorganisation has taken another significant step on the eve of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, with Thierry Baritaud leaving Maranello after 26 years and further appointments expected across the Power Unit department and other areas of the racing structure. The changes form part of the gradual overhaul being carried out under Fred Vasseur, with the aim of making internal processes more efficient and extracting more from the resources already available.
The evolution is not limited to the SF-26 itself. Ferrari’s racing department continues to change from one season to the next, with a steady turnover of technical personnel. Rather than a sudden revolution, the structure assembled under Vasseur is undergoing a slower but persistent reorganisation designed to improve how the organisation functions.
Thierry Baritaud leaves Ferrari after 26 years at Maranello
Changes to Ferrari’s organisational chart have been frequent, particularly when viewed over several seasons. Some appointments can be completed relatively quickly when personnel arrive from outside Formula 1, while moves between rival teams are often delayed significantly by mandatory gardening-leave periods.
Ahead of the Monza weekend, another important departure has now taken place. French engineer Thierry Baritaud has officially ended his Ferrari career after 26 years with the Scuderia.
Baritaud joined Maranello in 2000 as head of engine fluid dynamics before shifting his focus towards hybrid technology from 2008 onwards. According to reports, Ferrari organised a farewell celebration for him in recognition of the important role he played within the Power Unit department, where he became one of the pillars of the structure led by Enrico Gualtieri.
His departure comes during a particularly important phase for Ferrari’s engine programme, with the team continuing to develop its 2026 architecture and the ADUO-2 Power Unit evolution for Monza.
Baritaud departure was planned but Ferrari reportedly accelerated the timing
Unlike some high-profile departures from Ferrari in the recent past, Baritaud is not leaving to join another Formula 1 team. At 69, he has, at least on paper, reached the minimum requirements for retirement. His responsibilities have been handed to Enrico Gualtieri on an interim basis.
That meant the Scuderia was not caught by surprise or forced into an emergency response. Baritaud’s exit had been expected within the short-to-medium term and Ferrari had time to prepare for the succession process.
There is, however, another aspect behind what might otherwise appear to have been a straightforward, long-planned departure. According to information from sources close to the Maranello environment, Ferrari wants to complete the succession process quickly and is believed to have accelerated Baritaud’s exit, despite his departure already being anticipated in the relatively near future.
Ferrari preparing new appointments in key technical roles
Baritaud’s departure is therefore expected to trigger the first stage of a wider series of changes. New engineers are set to be appointed to key positions within Ferrari’s Power Unit department, while further adjustments outside the engine organisation are also expected in the short term.
Several of those changes had already been anticipated for some time. The process fits into the broader restructuring taking place across Maranello as Ferrari seeks to refine responsibilities, improve efficiency and strengthen individual departments without resorting to a wholesale organisational revolution.
The Power Unit operation remains one of the most important areas of the 2026 project, with Ferrari simultaneously working on engine performance, efficiency and integration with the SF-26. Those development priorities are examined in more detail in our analysis of Ferrari’s SF-26 Power Unit programme.
External reinforcements also expected to join Ferrari
The internal changes will not be the only part of the restructuring. Ferrari is also preparing to welcome technical reinforcements from outside the organisation.
Those recruits have already been identified and persuaded to join the Scuderia, although the timing of their arrival can depend on contractual obligations and gardening-leave restrictions when they come from rival Formula 1 teams.
The overall picture is therefore one of continued evolution rather than abrupt change. Vasseur’s Ferrari is gradually reshaping its technical structure through a combination of planned departures, internal succession and targeted external recruitment, with further announcements expected as the process develops. The wider engineering work surrounding the SF-26 and Maranello’s technical programme can be followed in our Ferrari technical analysis coverage.
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