Ferrari’s Christmas dinner, the usual clichés about the upcoming F1 season, and the local press’s attempt to flatter the Scuderia gathered a large crowd for this annual event, as meaningful as a 3-euro coin. The opening of the article may seem harsh, but witnessing the repetitive spectacle built for the occasion becomes tiresome for those who follow Formula 1 closely. While technical discussions are not always essential, discussing intentions is acceptable.
Year after year, the narrative remains the same: the car will be brand new. This statement is convenient for those who enjoy throwing out percentages, pretending to know everything when they are merely listening and speculating. It’s the same old rhetoric. The hot air everyone loves, yet no one truly understands why. Many topics were discussed during the gathering, attended by the two new members, former Mercedes engineer Loic Serra and Belgian Jerome D’Ambrosio.
The three French speakers are expected to bond well due to their shared language. Ferrari should consider altering its approach. Humility is not always necessary. In Italy, there is a tendency to prioritize a modest profile, despite the country’s abundance of talent that often ventures abroad for success. With employees from around the globe, the mental standard at Maranello should be raised.
Success in Formula 1 requires conviction, boldness, and at times, a touch of arrogance. These qualities clash with humility. Individuals at Ferrari must understand their significance and leverage it against competitors, similar to how Mercedes and Red Bull dominated the hybrid era. Moving past the exaggerated praise from the dinner attendees, let’s evaluate the commendations from the key figures.
Being fast on the track doesn’t automatically translate to adept team management post-retirement. Conversely, hopping from seat to seat without notable success doesn’t hinder future success in managerial roles. Both Christian Horner and Toto Wolff serve as prominent examples from the winning teams of recent years, despite their lackluster driving careers. This showcases the importance of strategic team management over racing prowess.
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s appointment as a deputy team principal signifies a promising future, given his positive collaboration with Mercedes in 2023. His insight on Lewis Hamilton and adaptability to the Italian environment bode well for his role. D’Ambrosio’s focus will extend beyond track presence, supporting the 2026 project development and enhancing Ferrari’s team dynamics.
Loic Serra’s expertise in tire-chassis interaction and experience will significantly impact Ferrari’s 2025 car development. Similar to D’Ambrosio, Serra will oversee projects remotely, emphasizing the quest for victory. Both new additions bring fresh perspectives, challenging Ferrari to excel without the personnel turnover witnessed in previous seasons.
As preparations for the new season commence, the commitment required from D’Ambrosio and Serra is monumental. Their roles as key team figures demand meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning. With a collective goal to excel and innovate, Ferrari aims to make significant strides in the upcoming Formula 1 championship.
— see video above —-
Dec 22, 2024
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