Who is Diego Tondi, the new Head of Vehicle Concept at Ferrari

The exit of David Sanchez
In the days following the Bahrain Grand Prix, the decision of French engineer David Sanchez to take a step back and leave Ferrari was reported by the Italian and International media.

Having worked in Maranello since 2012 with various tasks, in 2019 he was appointed head of the entire aerodynamic department, to later become head of the vehicle project in 2021, again in the Formula 1 field. As confirmed by team principal Frederic Vasseur, David Sanchez’s departure is to be linked to the close relationship with Mattia Binotto: “There are people very close to Mattia, who prefer to leave. And it’s ok with me” – the French manager explained.

Statements which were indirectly confirmed by what the aerodynamics engineer himself wrote on LinkedIn, in a message in which he clarified that he had resigned: “After 10 years in Ferrari, I have decided to leave the team for another project in Formula 1. It’s my decision.” His next destination will most likely be a return to the past, namely McLaren, from which he arrived in Maranello over ten years ago.

As told revealed by Pino Allievi for formulapassion.it, an internal figure will take over the role of David Sanchez at Scuderia Ferrari: “Engineer Diego Tondi, from Apulia, head of aerodynamic development. Only good things are said about him, but does he have the necessary experience and strong shoulders to take on such a delicate position? Or will his life be just a transition waiting for someone to arrive from outside?” – Pino Allievi wonders.

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Who is Diego Tondi
Diego Tondi graduated from the University of Pisa in aerospace engineering with a specialization in aerodynamics. He has been with Ferrari for 15 and a half years, having joined the company in October 2007. His first job was in the road department, using CFD simulation and the tunnel wind, before moving on already in 2008 to work in the Formula 1 Racing Division, as a test engineer in the wind tunnel, a role he held for two years. Diego Tondi’s duties then grew year after year, dedicating himself to the CFD development of the front end of the single-seater until he became team leader of the 18 people who developed the front of the single-seater. In 2018 the promotion to a reference figure of the concept of the new single-seaters and in 2020 the promotion to the role of aerodynamic chief. In January 2021, he was appointed head of aerodynamic development.

In March 2023, therefore, Diego Tondi becomes the key figure for the entire aerodynamics of the car, replacing David Sanchez.