Mercedes bring in former Ferrari technical staff Simone Resta, Enrico Sampo
- Planet Sport writer
- 20 March 2024
Mercedes have reinforced their technical team by signing key personnel from Ferrari, as confirmed by the BBC.
Simone Resta, formerly with Haas and Ferrari, will join Mercedes as strategic development director, collaborating closely with technical director James Allison.
Enrico Sampo, transitioning from Ferrari's simulator division, will lead performance software applications at Mercedes.
Both Resta and Sampo will undergo a gardening leave period before joining Mercedes, likely ahead of the 2025 season, showcasing the team's strategic planning approach.
This move follows significant staff movements between Mercedes and Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari for 2025, while Mercedes' Jerome d'Ambrosio will shift to Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Ferrari's recruitment drive includes Performance Director Loic Serra, expected to join the team under Frederic Vasseur's restructuring efforts.
On the track, Ferrari has challenged Red Bull closely, securing podiums in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In contrast, Mercedes has faced difficulties, especially in high-speed corners, highlighting ongoing struggles under current regulations.
Mercedes' recent victory drought contrasts with their dominant streak from 2014 to 2021, marking a shift in Formula 1's competitive landscape.
