D’Ambrosio highlights stark contrast between Ferrari and Mercedes

Since stepping into his role as Ferrari’s deputy team principal last October, Jerome d’Ambrosio has noted the fundamental differences between the legendary Italian outfit and his former employer, Mercedes.

The 39-year-old Belgian retired from active racing at the end of 2019 and officially joined Mercedes in a directorial role in 2023, working closely with Toto Wolff and frequently standing post alongside the Austrian in the team’s garage.

D’Ambrosio looked set for a top leadership role with the Brackley squad when he transferred to Ferrari last October and began working alongside team principal Fred Vasseur.

Having joined Ferrari in the heat of their Constructors’ Championship battle, the former Marussia F1 driver has had little time to ease into his new surroundings. Yet, in just a few months, he has already grasped what sets Ferrari apart.

A Culture Like No Other

“It’s been a few months now but it feels already like it’s been much more,” D’Ambrosio told the media earlier this week following the launch of Ferrari’s SF-25.

“I joined the team on the 1st October last year in the midst of fighting for the constructors’ championship, so it was fairly busy and then a short winter and here we are again.”

One of the most striking contrasts he has observed is the immense cultural and emotional investment surrounding Ferrari in Italy.

Unlike Mercedes, a team deeply rooted in the UK, Ferrari’s DNA is woven into the very fabric of Italian motorsport heritage.

“Yes, obviously differences. Every team is different,” he explained. “There’s also a difference in location between the UK and Italy, so a big difference in that regard in terms of the whole feel and the engagement with the fans.”

Ferrari’s connection to its supporters is something uniquely powerful, creating an atmosphere unlike anything D’Ambrosio experienced at Mercedes.

“I think Ferrari is very particular in that sense, in a positive way, it’s very different,” he added.

“There’s a whole city and a whole country that lives for racing and for Ferrari. It’s a great push to have all the fans and this culture here.”

D’Ambrosio’s Role at Ferrari

During last Wednesday’s launch at Fiorano, d'Ambrosio took the opportunity to outline his role within the team, positioning himself as a key strategic figure alongside team principal Fred Vasseur.

Tasked with easing Vasseur’s workload during race weekends, the Belgian manager plays a vital role in decision-making and operational oversight, ensuring seamless execution both at the track and back at the factory.

"There isn't a strict definition of what will land on my desk," he explained.

"It ranges from pure engineering to performance, finance, human resources, and any other aspect a team principal might deal with. Fred and I truly split the work this way.

“I think we function well together because we are very close—our offices are right across from each other. We probably talk 20 times a day.

“That's just how it works. And to be honest, there are no plans to change this setup because it works very well." – he pointed out.

Maximizing Efficiency at the Scuderia

However, Jerome D'Ambrosio clarified that he will not attend all 24 races on the calendar, as the priority is to maximize efficiency for every individual.

"Right now, it is estimated that I will attend around 18 races, something like that," the deputy team principal said.

"So, of course, I will be very present at the track. But the goal with Fred is to be complementary. I can tell you, for example, that I won't be in China because it would be highly inefficient.

“I will be at the first race, but we don't want to leave the factory unattended for too long.

“There will be races where I stay back to oversee operations at the factory. Naturally, the exact number of races I attend will depend on the evolution of the 2026 project, and we will adjust accordingly."

With pre-season testing in Bahrain just around the corner, Ferrari has been among the busiest teams on the grid, fine-tuning their package for what they hope will be a championship-contending season.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook