Key Ferrari man set to join Mercedes, wraps up his works after 23 years

After a 23-year tenure at Ferrari, Simone Resta has officially left the team. It marked the end of an era with the Italian team. Resta is set to assume the role of Mercedes' strategic development director, although the timing of his transition in 2025 is yet to be finalized. 

Following his departure from Haas at the beginning of 2024 he announced the move. Resta's stint at Haas aimed to fortify the technical collaboration between the team and Ferrari, which provides power units and other components. 

Joining Mercedes will reunite Resta with James Allison, the team's technical director, with whom he previously collaborated at Ferrari from 2013 to 2016, during which Resta held the position of chief designer.

"2001-2024, last day after 23 years of passion at Ferrari," he wrote on professional networking site LinkedIn. "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. Onwards and upwards”, he further added. 

Will Simone Resta succeed at Mercedes?

Notably, after departing Ferrari in 2018, Resta took up the role of technical director at Alfa Romeo Sauber. However, he made a swift return to Ferrari in August 2019. Now it will be a question will Resta be able to succeed at Mercedes?  

Notably, Resta's F1 journey commenced in the late 1990s with Minardi, where he delved into research and development starting in 1998. Transitioning to Ferrari in 2001, he served as a senior design engineer, progressing to head of research and development by 2006. 

His tenure at Ferrari further elevated him to deputy chief design director in 2012, solidifying his integral role within the team's structure. It will be interesting to see how Mercedes will shape up after the ongoing season as Lewis Hamilton will also leave the Mercedes team.