Ferrari have completed another technical signing from Mercedes, adding further expertise that could prove valuable for the development of the 2026 Formula 1 car. The new arrival is part of an ongoing recruitment strategy aimed at increasing knowledge and strengthening the team ahead of the next major regulatory cycle.
The Scuderia have brought in another engineer from the Mercedes organisation, a move designed to inject additional know-how that can be applied directly to the 2026 project. Ferrari continue to look beyond Maranello for fresh ideas, targeting professionals with experience at rival teams, particularly those who have worked under the current generation of technical structures.
In recent months, several technicians have joined Ferrari from competing teams. A number of power unit specialists arrived from Alpine, a manufacturer that will switch to Mercedes engines in the upcoming regulatory era. One of the most notable appointments was Frank Sanchez, who has been tasked with overseeing the development of the Ferrari 2026 updates. While many of these names are considered second-line figures rather than headline signings, the arrival of Loïc Serra in October 2024 represented a significant exception.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur is clearly focused on building a relatively young and dynamic technical group capable of returning Ferrari to the front of the grid. Work on Project 678 is ongoing without interruption, although it is still too early to determine whether Ferrari will be able to establish itself as a benchmark under the new regulations. Against this background, Ferrari have now confirmed the identity of the latest recruit from the German team.
Another second-line signing as Fred Vasseur continues to push
Giulia Zoppini joins Ferrari from Mercedes as an aerodynamics specialist. She spent two years working within the Mercedes aerodynamics department, gaining experience that Ferrari believe can be transferred to their own development processes. Alongside her arrival, Shaid Farzand has also joined the team, likewise coming from Mercedes, where he worked as a tyre specialist.
Shaid Farzand brings with him seven years of experience at Mercedes, having worked as a performance and simulation engineer. His background is expected to support Ferrari’s efforts to improve tyre understanding, an area that is set to become even more crucial under the 2026 regulations. These appointments underline Ferrari’s intention to strengthen key technical areas through targeted recruitment.
Other recent arrivals at Maranello include Simone Sacco, a recent graduate from the University of Calabria, who has joined the team as a chassis and transmission specialist. This marks his first experience in Formula 1, representing an immediate immersion into one of the fastest-paced environments in motorsport. Marco Pagliardini has also joined Ferrari, arriving from Isotta LMH and now working as a mechanical design engineer within the wind tunnel department.
With the 2026 Formula 1 season drawing ever closer, assembly work on the new Ferrari single-seater is reportedly beginning at Maranello. Ferrari are fully aware that a return to fighting for victories will require bold and innovative technical solutions. Under the technical direction of Loïc Serra, the team are also rethinking suspension concepts while placing a strong emphasis on improving understanding of the Pirelli tyres.
There is hope within Ferrari that these reinforcements, even if considered second-line signings, can make a meaningful contribution to building a competitive and potentially race-winning car for the next Formula 1 regulatory cycle.
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