F1 Rumour: Red Bull Loses Engineers To Ferrari Ahead Of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Ferrari has signed two engineers from Red Bull for the 2024 season, with the duo required to serve a "full gardening" leave until then.

In a surprising move, Italian Constructor Ferrari has reportedly signed two engineers from rival team Red Bull. The news was first revealed by the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, which stated that the duo will not be able to work with the Maranello-based team until 2024, as they are required to serve a "full gardening" leave.

This type of situation is quite common when an engineer moves to a competitor. For example, Red Bull recently lost several engineers to Aston Martin, launching rumours of copied technology and aerodynamics. 

Despite the fact that these engineers' names are not yet known, the move is a clear indication that Ferrari is taking steps to improve its F1 performance and regain its position as a top contender in the sport.

“Two engineers have just been hired and have ceased their activity at Red Bull, they are in full gardening [leave] and will be in force in Maranello in 2024,” writes Corriere dello Sport.

“But their names are not yet known, nor is it known how much difference they can make.

“After all, the Cavallino has hired thirty technicians in the last three years – even from top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes”.

The team has had a challenging start to the 2023 F1 season, with no podium finishes yet, while Red Bull has claimed five podiums and Aston Martin and Mercedes have each had their own successes as well. With rumours of Charles Leclerc looking to move to Mercedes as well, it's no surprise that Ferrari is doing its very best to fall back into a place of success.

So, an aggressive development plan is in action, with upgrades coming to races after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to help the Scuderia develop its pace closer to that of Aston Martin and Mercedes. And if they're really lucky, get within sniffing distance of Red Bull.