The time of change continues at Scuderia Ferrari as Laurent Mekies departs the Italian squad at the end of this week.
Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari
It was announced by AlphaTauri back in April that Mekies would take the place of Franz Tost at the Faenza-based team at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.
But following some attempts by Fred Vasseur and Ferrari to poach some Red Bull employees as the Frenchman looks to put his own stamp on the team, Mekies had to wait until now to leave the Scuderia.
The 46-year-old is no stranger to the team as he worked for them when they were called Minardi and Toro Rosso. Mekies also worked with the FIA for a number of years before joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2018.
During his spell with Scuderia Ferrari, the Frenchman was in charge of the Track and Performance department. In 2021, he was handed the Deputy Team Principal and Sporting Director Roles by former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto.
Diego loverno will now assume the position of Sporting Director. The Italian has been with the team for over two decades now.
Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari statement:
“Laurent Mekies’ time at Scuderia Ferrari comes to an end this week. The Racing Director will not be in Belgium and he leaves the Prancing Horse after four and a half seasons, during which time the team took seven wins. The entire team thanks him for his great contribution during those years.
“As from the Belgian Grand Prix, part of Laurent’s duties on the pitwall will be carried out by Diego loverno, who takes on the role of Sporting Director. He will be responsible for all sporting matters, as well as liaising with the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile). loverno is a veteran member of the Scuderia having worked in Maranello for the past 23 years.
“Along with his colleagues on the pitwall, Matteo Togninalli, Head of Track Engineering and Ravin Jain, Race Strategist, he will report directly to Team Principal, Fred Vasseur.”
