Mercedes has successfully secured two of Ferrari’s senior staff members, with the former chief designer, Simone Resta, among the high-profile captures. It was first revealed by Autosport that Resta will join Mercedes as Strategic Development Director, where he will collaborate closely with Technical Director James Allison on advancing car-related projects.
Joining Resta in the switch from Ferrari to Mercedes is Enrico Sampo, who will take on the role of Head of Performance Software Applications. Sampo, with his extensive background as Ferrari’s Driver Simulator Team Leader, brings critical expertise in an area increasingly vital to F1 car performance both ahead of and during race weekends.
However, due to contractual commitments, both Resta and Sampo will not be able to start their new roles until 2025, with their specific start dates yet to be determined.
This strategic staffing acquisition by Mercedes comes as the team aims to fortify its structure for the long haul and identify areas for enhancement. It follows on the heels of Team Principal Toto Wolff and Technical Director James Allison securing long-term contract extensions last winter. Additionally, the team welcomed David Nelson as its senior vehicle dynamicist, stepping in for Performance Director Loic Serra, who is transitioning to Ferrari as Fred Vasseur continues to put his own stamp on the Italian squad.
The departure of Resta and Sampo from Ferrari is part of a wider talent shuffle between the two teams. Ferrari has made its own key hires from Mercedes, including securing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season and appointing Mercedes’ driver development director, Jerome D’Ambrosio, as head of its young driver development programme.
Resta’s move is particularly noteworthy due to his extensive experience within F1 and Ferrari. Having served as Ferrari’s chief designer and was involved with Haas as its technical director from early 2021 until last December. The Italian’s expertise is highly valued.
His return to Maranello in 2019 to lead chassis development, followed by a sudden, unexplained recall from Haas, now appears to have been influenced by the upcoming transition to Mercedes.
