Deputy team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, Jérôme D’Ambrosio approaches his home Grand Prix with enthusiasm, but also with caution as the championship is still long and everything remains to be done.
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The Belgian believes that Ferrari’s recent victories are the result of work done over several months, while reminding that nothing is guaranteed in a particularly competitive championship.
“It is always a pleasure to return to Spa-Francorchamps, not only because I am Belgian, but also because it is one of the most iconic and fascinating circuits on the calendar,” explains D’Ambrosio.
Belgian history
The executive also highlights the special bond that unites Belgium to Ferrari: “In Belgium, there is a true passion for motorsport and Ferrari fans always come in great numbers. This country also holds a special place in Ferrari’s history: the Prancing Horse raced its first race here at the 24 Hours of Spa 1932, which ended with a one-two finish, while Belgium hosted one of the first and most important Ferrari importers, the Garage Francorchamps run by Jacques Swaters, a friend of the Commendatore.”
Several Belgian drivers have distinguished themselves in the ranks of the Scuderia in the last century, from Paul Frère to Jacky Ickx, including Olivier Gendebien and Willy Mairesse. D’Ambrosio did not have this luck in his brief Formula 1 career (20 Grands Prix for Marussia and Lotus in 2011/2012), but he is the first Belgian manager to reach Ferrari’s management, as deputy to team principal Frédéric Vasseur, at the age of 40.
After the victories obtained in Barcelona and Silverstone, the atmosphere is positive within the Scuderia. For D’Ambrosio, these results reward the work done both on the circuits and at Maranello: “The atmosphere is positive, but above all very focused. The successes in Barcelona and Silverstone reflect the progress made by the whole team, on track as well as at the factory. They are the result of constant work.”
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The Belgian nevertheless reminds that the battle for the championship remains extremely tight and that the development of the car remains a decisive element: “We know that the pace of development is a central element of this championship. We are working intensely with our two drivers to continue improving our package.”
Keeping feet on the ground
Despite the positive momentum, he refuses to get carried away. D’Ambrosio insists on the need to approach each Grand Prix with the same rigor: “The essential thing is to keep our feet on the ground, knowing that each race can tell a different story. We face very strong opponents, which is why we approach each event and each session with the same mindset: to get the maximum out of our potential.”
He finally emphasizes that, in today’s Formula 1, the gaps are so small that every detail can make a difference: “With these cars, small details can have a considerable impact. Everyone’s involvement is therefore essential. We must continue to work on both fronts: to exploit our package to the maximum on track while continuing the development of the car at Maranello.”
Ferrari will thus arrive at Spa-Francorchamps with the desire to confirm the progress shown in recent weeks, while remaining faithful to the line set by its management: to move forward step by step, without giving in to overconfidence.
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