F1 News: Ferrari Extends Contract With Key Designer From Michael Schumacher Era

Saajan Jogia | Jul 14, 2024

Jun 8, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz (ESP) races during FP3 practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports / David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Ferrari is positioning itself for the new Formula 1 era with the extension of senior advisor Rory Byrne's contract until 2027. Byrne, renowned as a legendary designer from Ferrari's Michael Schumacher days, brings decades of invaluable experience.

Byrne boasts an impressive CV, beginning with designing Ayrton Senna's first car, the Toleman TG183B, to playing a key role in Ferrari's dominance during the Schumacher era, designing the seven championship-winning cars and contributing to his 91 victories in F1.

His success was grounded in his mantra: "Evolution, not revolution." While he made notable inventions at Toleman, he focused on gradually perfecting and refining a car's potential rather than wasting time searching for a "magic bullet." This systematic approach contributed significantly to
Byrne's long-term success in Formula 1.

He served as Ferrari's chief designer from 1996 to 2006 before transitioning into a consultant role that he still holds today. Reports indicate he has been actively involved at Maranello, sharing his wealth of experience and offering guidance to his successors in the team.

Despite his consultant role, Byrne remained actively engaged in the development of Ferrari's recent F1 cars, including the SF-22, SF-23, and SF-24 models. Ferrari's resurgence in the current season is evident, as they have emerged as the first team to effectively challenge Red Bull's dominance at the front of the grid in the current season. This turnaround reflects Byrne's ongoing influence and Ferrari's commitment to leveraging his expertise in their quest for competitive success.

According to journalist Leo Turrini, who has deep ties to the Maranello outfit, Byrne's advisory role has been extended until the conclusion of 2027.

Speaking about Rory Byrne's contract extensions to Motorsport.com, Turrini said:

"Ferrari has extended its consultancy relationship with legendary Schumacher-era designer Rory Byrne until 2027.

"Who knows, maybe this is the beginning of other things."

'The beginning of other things' could signal two significant developments for Ferrari- the imminent arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton next year, and the forthcoming regulatory changes in 2026. Could the next regulatory era in Formula 1 witness Ferrari's dominance? Only time will tell.