Former F1 and Formula E driver, Mercedes executive and now Ferrari leader: who is Jerome D’Ambrosio?
Fred Vasseur’s unexpected absence during one of the most important days of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend has placed a familiar figure in the spotlight at Ferrari. As the French team principal remains under observation at a local medical facility following a sudden health issue, the responsibility of leading the Scuderia during qualifying falls to deputy team principal Jerome D’Ambrosio.
For Ferrari, the position on the pit wall occupied by the team principal carries enormous significance, particularly at a circuit like Monaco where every strategic decision can influence the outcome of the weekend. However, D’Ambrosio is no stranger to the role.
The Belgian executive already stepped in for Fred Vasseur during the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix when the Ferrari boss was forced to leave the paddock unexpectedly due to family reasons. Having worked alongside Vasseur since joining the Scuderia, D’Ambrosio is regarded as one of the Frenchman’s closest collaborators and most trusted lieutenants.
Since October 2024, he has officially held the role of Deputy Team Principal at Ferrari. Alongside those responsibilities, he also oversees the Ferrari Driver Academy, the programme dedicated to developing the next generation of Ferrari talent. His position requires constant interaction with Vasseur, overseeing operations both at the racetrack and at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello.
From karting success to Formula 1
Born in Etterbeek, Belgium, on December 27, 1985, to a family of Italian origins, Jerome D’Ambrosio began his motorsport career in karting. His early years were highly successful, culminating in victory in the Formula A World Cup in 2002 after winning several national championships.
He later moved into single-seater racing, claiming the Belgian Formula Renault title before progressing through the junior categories on his way to GP2, now known as Formula 2. One of his strongest campaigns came in 2009, when he secured a race win and finished runner-up in the GP2 Asia Series.
D’Ambrosio made his Formula 1 debut in 2011 with Virgin Racing. Across the 2011 and 2012 seasons, he competed in 20 Grands Prix and also made a notable appearance for Lotus at the 2012 Italian Grand Prix, replacing Romain Grosjean.
Although his Formula 1 career did not produce standout results, D’Ambrosio earned a reputation throughout the paddock as a highly respected and professional competitor.
A second career in Formula E and team management
After leaving Formula 1, Jerome D’Ambrosio found renewed success in Formula E, becoming one of the key figures during the championship’s formative years.
Between 2014 and 2020, he secured three victories and numerous podium finishes, establishing himself as one of the series’ most consistent drivers. His experience and leadership qualities soon opened the door to a new career path away from the cockpit.
Once he retired from racing, D’Ambrosio quickly transitioned into management at Venturi Racing. He initially served as Deputy Team Principal before being promoted to Team Principal. Under his leadership, the team achieved ten podium finishes in just sixteen races and finished second in the championship standings.
Those results attracted the attention of Mercedes, which recruited him in 2023 as Driver Development Director. Working closely with Toto Wolff, D’Ambrosio became heavily involved in Mercedes’ junior driver programme and increasingly took on operational responsibilities within the organisation.
On several occasions, he also represented Wolff in various team activities, further strengthening his reputation as one of motorsport’s rising management talents.
The move from Mercedes to Ferrari
Ferrari’s call arrived in 2024. Alongside renowned engineer Loïc Serra, Jerome D’Ambrosio left Mercedes to join Fred Vasseur’s growing project at Maranello.
Upon arriving at Ferrari, he assumed the dual role of Deputy Team Principal and head of the Ferrari Driver Academy. The position places him at the centre of both Ferrari’s present and future, combining the day-to-day management of the Formula 1 team with the development of its next generation of drivers.
As a result, stepping into Fred Vasseur’s place on the Monaco pit wall is not a major technical change for D’Ambrosio. He is already deeply involved in Ferrari’s daily operations and decision-making processes. The difference is primarily one of visibility and authority, with the Belgian executive temporarily becoming the public face of the Scuderia during one of the most important qualifying sessions of the season.
For now, Ferrari’s priority remains supporting Fred Vasseur and hoping for his swift return. In the meantime, Jerome D’Ambrosio’s experience as a driver, team principal and senior executive ensures that the Scuderia remains in capable hands.
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