D’Ambrosio set to leave Mercedes and move to Ferrari

Jerome D’Ambrosio, a key figure within the Mercedes team and one close to team boss Toto Wolff, will reportedly join Ferrari at the end of the 2024 F1 season.

The Belgian, who raced full-time in F1 in 2011 with Marussia and who later managed Venturi’s efforts in Formula E under the guidance of Suzy Wolff, has been a fixture in the Mercedes garage since last season.

As a key lieutenant of Wolff, D’Ambrosio was entrusted in 2023 with the team’s management at the Japanese and Qatar Grands Prix from which the Austrian was absent after undergoing a knee surgery.

Last year, D’Ambrosio was officially put in charge of Mercedes’ driver development programme, working alongside Gwen Lagrue to nurture young racing talent.

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However, many saw him as a potential long-term leader, with Wolff himself hinting at D'Ambrosio taking on greater responsibility in the future.

But the 38-year-old has apparently opted for a fresh challenge at Ferrari. There, he is expected to take charge of the Scuderia's young driver program, the Ferrari Driver Academy currently led by Jock Clear.

The move would likely be welcomed by Clear whose responsibilities at Ferrari also extend to demanding trackside duties.

D'Ambrosio's arrival at Ferrari will coincide with Lewis Hamilton's previously announced move to the Italian team.

While not directly linked, the former driver’s presence might offer some trusted familiarity to the seven-time F1 world champion in his new environment.

Whether D'Ambrosio becomes a key figure in Ferrari's long-term management strategy remains to be seen.

But the switch raises once again questions about Mercedes' future leadership and indicates Ferrari's focus on fostering young talent.

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