Jerome d’Ambrosio is reportedly poised to make a significant career pivot, mirroring Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, slated for the 2025 season. After transitioning from his Formula 1 racing days with Virgin and Lotus to a managerial role in Formula E under the mentorship of Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, d’Ambrosio has been a familiar face in the Mercedes F1 team’s orbit. His presence, often seen alongside Toto Wolff at various Grand Prix events, sparked speculation about his grooming for a potential leadership position within the team.
However, in a surprising twist, sources including the Japanese publication as-web.jp, indicate that d’Ambrosio has been enticed by Ferrari’s new team boss Frederic Vasseur. Vasseur, who recently made headlines by securing Hamilton for Ferrari, seems to have played a pivotal role in d’Ambrosio’s decision to switch allegiances. According to the report, d’Ambrosio is set to oversee Ferrari’s driver development academy, marking a new chapter in his motorsport career.
“Wolff now seems determined not to resign until he returns Mercedes to the top,” noted the Japanese outlet, suggesting that this steadfast commitment by Wolff might have signaled to d’Ambrosio a narrowing path for his own advancement within the team. “As a result, d’Ambrosio may have realised that his chances of promotion were decreasing.”
It’s understood that d’Ambrosio has “already agreed terms” with Vasseur and is expected to commence his new role at Maranello following a period of gardening leave. If timelines hold, he might don the iconic red of Ferrari even before the F1 summer break this year, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory from silver to red.
(GMM)