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This article was originally published on 8th July 2024. Updated 9th July 2024
Enrico Cardile leaves Ferrari to join Aston Martin after spending almost two decades with the Maranello team.
Ferrari has officially announced the departure of Enrico Cardile, its Formula 1 chassis technical director. The Italian will be making the switch to Aston Martin.
Aston Martin has been pushing to bolster its squad to try and challenge at the front. The Silverstone team are currently enduring a tough season, with its AMR24 underwhelming in the first half of 2024.
Cardile has been a target that Aston Martin has wanted for a while. The Italian played a significant role in developing Ferrari’s recent challengers. He will be introduced to Aston Martin’s current technical structure – led by Dan Fallows.
Sudden change
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked whether Cardile was heading to Aston Martin after the British Grand Prix. However, the Frenchman insisted that there was no change.
Vasseur was also asked about the agreement Cardile had with Aston Martin, leading to questions over the Italian’s position at Ferrari. The Ferrari boss did not give anything away:
“If Aston Martin want to communicate on something, I’m happy for them. But it’s not our case today.
“He’s part of the organisation. The role… You know the role of Enrico, he was the Technical Director on the chassis side.“Tonight, he’s still technical director of the Ferrari.”
Big blow for Ferrari
However, a day later, Ferrari announced the departure of Cardlie, leaving the team with immediate effect. A short statement was issued by the team:
“Scuderia Ferrari HP announces that Enrico Cardile is leaving the company, therefore relinquishing his role as Technical Director Chassis Area.”
“After almost two decades with Ferrari, Cardile has handed in his notice and therefore, with immediate effect, and as an interim measure, the Chassis Area will be overseen by the Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur.
“Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari HP thanks Enrico for all his hard work over so many years.”
Therefore, the chassis department will be taken care of by Vasseur in Cardile’s absence. The departure of Cardile will be a big blow for the Scuderia. The Maranello team are going through a tough spell with its latest upgrade not being successful.
However, Aston Martin is still pushing to sign new recruits to improve its disappointing form. The Silverstone team is the current favourite to acquire design legend Adrian Newey, who is still deciding on his future when he leaves Red Bull at the end of the season.
Confirmation at Aston Martin
Cardile was confirmed at Aston Martin on Tuesday morning, starting his new role as Chief Technical Officer in 2025. The team said in a statement:
“The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team today announced Enrico Cardile as F1 Chief Technical Officer as the team continues its journey and ambition to fight for race wins and World Championship titles.
Enrico Cardile will join the team in 2025 as F1 Chief Technical Officer in a new role which further strengthens the senior technical group at the Silverstone-based team.
Enrico brings a wealth of Formula One experience to Aston Martin Aramco. He was formerly Technical Director Chassis and Aerodynamics at Ferrari.”
Cardile revealed via the team statement he was looking forward to the challenge of working for his new team:
“I’m looking forward to joining Aston Martin Aramco. The ambition and desire are clear and it is a unique opportunity to be part of that journey. This is a personal and professional challenge and I look forward to working with the team to bring success to this iconic brand.”
Feature Image Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images