The Scuderia Ferrari has clearly not given up on its bid to return to the top of Formula 1. After recruiting Jérôme d'Ambrosio and Loïc Serra from Mercedes, then showing an interest in Adrian Newey (who eventually headed for Aston Martin), the Maranello-based team now seems to have another top-level engineer in its sights. Rumours are once again focusing on Red Bull Racing's Technical Director, Pierre Waché, who was spotted chatting with Fred Vasseur after the Chinese Grand Prix. Was this just a chance meeting, or the sign of another major transfer?
It's not the first time Pierre Waché's name has been associated with Ferrari. A year ago, the idea of recruiting a French technical director had caused quite a stir in the paddock. At the time, the Scuderia had failed to lure him away from Red Bull Racing, where he was (and still is) an essential element in the world champion team's technical success. Fred Vasseur had, however, made this recruitment a priority.
The last round of the championship, held in China, added fuel to the fire. A photo relayed by several media outlets shows Fred Vasseur and Pierre Waché chatting at length in the Shanghai paddock. For many, this image could be proof of Ferrari's renewed approach to securing the Frenchman's services. Why now?
According to various sources, there is a potential falling out between Waché and Christian Horner. The RB21's lacklustre performance this season and a number of internal disagreements may have strained relations between the two men. Ferrari, always on the lookout to strengthen its technical department, would see this as a new opportunity.
With Pierre Waché, the Scuderia would strike another blow. Formerly Adrian Newey's right-hand man, he has held the position of technical director at Red Bull since 2018, overseeing all aspects of single-seater design and development. His arrival at Ferrari would seriously weaken the competition, while bringing first-rate know-how.
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