F1 Rumour: Ferrari Signs Huge New Recruit From Mercedes

It has been reported that Ferrari has signed a director from Mercedes.

Ferrari is said to have successfully recruited Loïc Serra, the performance director from Mercedes. The news, reported by Formu1a.uno, comes as the Maranello-based team is dealing with the departure of two crucial team members - Davide Sanchez and Laurent Mekies. 

The Scuderia had also previously attempted to lure Pierre Waché from Red Bull, but he chose to renew his contract with the Austrian team who are currently dominating the 2023 season, winning every ten races of the season so far.

Ferrari reportedly sought a high-profile recruit like Waché, specifically an engineer with substantial experience in areas such as suspensions, vehicle dynamics, and tyre interaction. Their focus then shifted to Serra at Mercedes. Despite certain legal aspects of the deal yet to be finalised, it's unlikely these will impede Serra's move to Ferrari.

Serra is highly regarded for his expertise in optimising aerodynamics, and he will work in close collaboration with Enrico Cardile at Ferrari. 

These reported changes come after the introduction of Fred Vasseur has team principal at the beginning of the year. This year's F1 championship has proven challenging for Ferrari. They've yet to claim a race victory and have only made one podium finish, thanks to Charles Leclerc's third place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. 

Ferrari are currently in fourth position in the constructors' standings with 157 behind Aston Martin in third with 181. Red Bull are leading the championship with an incredible 411 points, a 208-point lead on Mercedes in second position. 

It is worth noting that neither Mercedes or Ferrari have confirmed the news of Serra joining the latter. A formal press release is waited.