Ferrari officially appoints Serra as F1 technical director

©Ferrari

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Ferrari announced on Thursday that Loic Serra has been entrusted with the role of Technical Director Chassis, the Frenchman succeeding Aston Martin-bound Enrico Cardile.

Serra, who will take up his responsibilities on October 1, previously held the position of performance director at Mercedes. His move to Ferrari was announced last May, but an imposed period of gardening leave inevitably delayed his arrival at Maranello.

In his new role, Serra Loic will report directly to Ferrari Team Principal, Fred Vasseur.

The 52-year-old engineer’s career in F1 began with Michelin. After the tyre manufacturer’s exit from F1 he transitioned to the BMW Sauber team in 2007.

Following BMW's withdrawal, Serra moved to Mercedes, where he steadily rose through the ranks, specializing in vehicle dynamics.

Read also: Ferrari dropped Newey chase to avoid bidding war with Aston Martin

In Ferrari’s statement, the Italian outfit outlined its new technical structure, with Serra overseeing the following departments: Chassis Project Engineering, headed up by Fabio Montecchi; Vehicle Performance, headed up by Marco Adurno; Aerodynamics, headed up by Diego Tondi; Track Engineering, headed up by Matteo Togninalli and Chassis Operations, headed up by to Diego Ioverno, who also continues in the role of Sporting Director.

Ferrari notes that the role of Technical Director Power Unit continues to be assigned to Enrico Gualtieri.

Ferrari Chassis Technical Director Loic Serra and Scuderia Deputy Team Principal Jerome d'Ambrosio.

Serra will also be joined on October 1 by his fellow former Mercedes colleague Jerome d’Ambrosio who will assume the role of Deputy Team Principal working alongside Vasseur.

D'Ambrosio joined Mercedes in a directorial role in 2023, seemingly positioned to work closely with Toto Wolff and frequently standing post alongside the Austrian in the team’s garage, further fueling speculation about his future leadership role.

But the former F1 driver has opted to continue his management career in F1 with Ferrari where both he and Serra will be reunited next season with Lewis Hamilton.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.