Jérôme D’Ambrosio is Fred Vasseur’s trusted lieutenant at Ferrari. As the Scuderia’s deputy team principal, the former Formula 1 driver plays a key role in the team’s operations. The 40-year-old Belgian will experience the Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps in a particularly special way, as the legendary Ardennes circuit is his home race.
“For me, it’s always a pleasure to come back to Spa-Francorchamps, not only because I’m Belgian, but also because this is one of the most iconic and fascinating circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Belgium has a genuine passion for motorsport, and Ferrari fans always come here in great numbers.”
“This country also holds a special place in Ferrari’s history. The Prancing Horse made its racing debut here at the 1932 Spa 24 Hours, where it celebrated a one-two finish. Francorchamps was also home to one of Ferrari’s first and most important importers, Garage Francorchamps.”
Ferrari has won two of the last three Formula 1 Grands Prix, with Charles Leclerc triumphing at Silverstone after Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona. What is the atmosphere like inside the team at the moment?
“The atmosphere is positive, but above all, everyone is extremely focused. The victories in Barcelona and Silverstone reflect the progress made by the entire team, both at the track and back at Maranello, and they are the result of consistent hard work. We also know that the pace of development is a crucial factor in this championship, so we are continuing to work intensively with both drivers to keep improving the overall package.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season has delivered constant twists and turns, with no clear championship script emerging so far. How is Ferrari approaching such an unpredictable campaign?
“The key is to stay grounded, knowing that every race can tell a completely different story. We are competing against very strong rivals, so we approach every Grand Prix and every single session with the same mindset: to extract the maximum from the package we have. With these cars, even the smallest details can make a huge difference, so attention to detail across every department is absolutely essential. That’s why we continue working on both fronts: maximizing the package at the track while continuing to develop the car back at Maranello.”
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