Key Ferrari technical figure leaves for Mercedes after ’23 years of passion’

Simone Resta was often regarded as one of the best designers in the current era of F1.

Key Ferrari technical figure leaves for Mercedes after ’23 years of passion’

Simone Resta(via IMAGO)

Recently, Red Bull was on the receiving end of its personnel leaving the team after allegations against its team principal, Christian Horner. On the other hand, this trend followed through into the paddock as Mercedes poached key Ferrari engineer, Simone Resta, who had been with the team for over 23 years and has now announced his departure from Maranello through a social media platform.

The Italian was born in the Northern region of Italy and followed the passion for motorsport closely. He had the dream of becoming a part of Ferrari and set on his journey by joining Minardi in 1998. This laid the path for him to join the esteemed Italian powerhouse in 2001 and start his journey as a suspension designer.

YouTube video

This alliance lasted for more than two decades before their arch-nemesis, Mercedes was able to poach the 53-year-old away from Maranello. Subsequently, he thanked Ferrari while bidding adieu to the team.

FS Video
Last day after 23 years of passion at Ferrari. Unique professional experience, having been lucky enough to meet exceptional talents. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who believed in me, and to the fans who have never stopped to give their support during all those years.
Simone Resta shared on LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, Resta conveyed and expressed his gratitude towards Ferrari. He was also the former director of Alfa Romeo and Haas for brief periods within his tenure at Maranello but was loaned out by Ferrari to its fellow competitors. Now, the Italian embarks on a new journey in F1 and has set his sights on helping the German marque sort its woes and bid for the championship again in the upcoming years.

Could Ferrari spoil Red Bull’s party?

Despite losing out a key technical mind to its rivals, the prancing horses seem to be on the rise in F1. Moreover, the team’s star driver, Charles Leclerc won the Monaco GP, making a statement that Ferrari is not far behind its rivals.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Witnessing the strong pace of the scarlet pair, Christian Horner emphasized that they cannot dismiss Ferrari as a title threat.

Obviously, we need to make sure we’ve got both cars up there scoring points because we cannot dismiss the threat of Ferrari and McLaren in both Championships. Checo’s[Sergio Perez's] first six races, he was very strong. He was qualifying on the front row, and finishing second and third, and scoring very well. We just need to get him back into that position of confidence and not see a dip.
Christian Horner said in an interview with Sky Sports

The Brit elaborated that recently both Ferrari and McLaren have edged up closer to the Austrian giant. On the other hand, Sergio Perez has amassed a total of four points in the last two weekends. The Mexican’s recent subpar results and Red Bull’s slump in performances could spell disaster for the reigning champions, and Horner is well aware of this scenario.

Apart from this, the Monegasque is currently sitting 31 points behind Max Verstappen in the interim standings. Thus, an unexpected title fight could be brewing away in the F1 paddock.

In case you missed it: