The Maranello team is trying to rebuild its future but to do so it needs resources and knowledge that also come from outside. Ferrari has set its sights on some technicians from the team that holds the title, namely Red Bull. AlphaTauri would also have ended up involved, the younger sister of Red Bull which is observing the outcome of this chess game to also know its own fate linked to the team principal it has hired for 2024, the former Ferrari Laurent mekies, made official in his new role on April 26th. The Frenchman, who remained on the Ferrari wall, would seem to be able to play a key role in this exchange of technicians.
Mekies a pawn for Ferrari
Mekies' departure was immediately rather turbulent. The news of the hiring came as a bit of a surprise, especially for Ferrari who did not appreciate Red Bull's advance move. Mekies is still active in Ferrari, alongside Frederic Vasseur and this gave the Maranello team, which found itself with the upper hand, great power. A fundamental power when it comes to exchanges and the market. Ferrari's request concerns precisely the figures that Red Bull should let go, in order to justify the departure of Mekies, who would otherwise remain in Maranello. Such a scenario would be uncomfortable first and foremost for Red Bull who planned to include the Frenchman in a timely manner to prepare for the next season.
It's a bit like the game of rope, you wait for the right moment to give the final pull. But waiting too long could be fatal. Red Bull doesn't want to lose any more men, but they don't want to lose Mekies either. Ferrari therefore continues to apply pressure even though some names are increasingly distant.
Pierre Waché close to renewal
In fact, Ferrari seems to have to give up one of the most coveted names for the new technical team, namely Pierre Waché, technical director of the team. The Cavallino targeted him, but Helmut Marko with rather heated statements, annoyed by Ferrari's request, had already vetoed Adrian Newey's right arm, who now it seems very close to a renewal, until 2028. “We all want Ferrari to be competitive, but it doesn't work like that. We are not an Arab bazaar where you can choose what you want. Furthermore, our Pierre Waché has no intention of changing teams." Marko had declared at the beginning of May.
The Maranello team, which is already thinking ahead to 2024 with the updates on the SF-23, however, he would like to exploit his weapon, Laurent Mekies, to win this battle, which seems to be about to reach the final stages, with Red Bull.
Source: FormulaPassion
