F1 News: Ferrari Confirms "Top Engineer" To Join From 2025

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the team has a "top engineer" starting from 2025 following the exit of Mattia Binotto.

The quest for a new technical director at Ferrari seems to be drawing to a close, according to recent comments made by team boss, Frederic Vasseur. Although the process hasn't been smooth, Vasseur hinted at an imminent announcement about a "top engineer" set to join Ferrari's ranks.

The role of technical director at Ferrari has remained vacant since last year's departure of Mattia Binotto, who functioned both as the team principal and technical head. Vasseur took up the reins as team boss following Binotto's exit, but the hunt for a dedicated technical overseer has been ongoing for half a year.

Ferrari Press Image

Vasseur disclosed to Autosprint that Ferrari has successfully recruited a high-profile engineer for the role. However, due to certain circumstances, this new addition to the team won't be able to assume his or her duties until 2025. He said:

"He will work on the car only in 2025 and for 2026. It sounds like a long wait, but if you don't act, it could be even worse in six months. You must accept these conditions as the basis of F1. If at a certain point you stop, it will mean further postponing the effects."

The identity of the new technical head remains undisclosed, but certain signs suggest that the individual is currently serving in another F1 team. It's customary in the sports world for employees to take a hiatus before transitioning to another team, a practice designed to prevent the leaking of proprietary secrets.

The Maranello-based squad has struggled to win enough points to be in the top three so far during the 2023 season. Ferrari is currently running in fourth position with 122 points behind Aston Martin in third with 154 points. 

Carlos Sainz is currently in fifth place in the drivers' championship with 68 whilst his teammate Charles Leclerc is in seventh with 54 points.