Yesterday at 09:15
Ferrari is set to lose two key figures from its power unit
department, according to reports emerging from Italy in the days
following the Italian Grand Prix. Wolff Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt
are reportedly set to depart the Scuderia, according to Autoracer
and Corriere dello Sport , with indications suggesting a move to
Audi. The exact timing of their move to the German marque, which
is taking over the Stake team this winter, remains uncertain.
Zimmermann, Ferrari's Power Unit project leader, is widely
acknowledged as an innovator in the realm of F1 engines, making his
departure particularly notable. Nevertheless, Ferrari's engine
department is not entirely reliant on him, as Enrico Gualtieri
continues to oversee the 2026 power unit project. Schmidt, the lead
engineer for performance development in the internal combustion
engine, is also expected to join Audi alongside Zimmermann,
rekindling their professional relationship with Mattia Binotto.
Binotto, having exited Ferrari at the end of 2023, is now steering
the Audi F1 project. His plans appear to involve significant
changes within the engine programme. Zimmermann's move is seen as a
critical juncture for Ferrari due to his strategic influence, yet
the presence of Gualtieri provides some continuity. Schmidt's
transition alongside him emphasises the strengthening ties with
Audi, which are purportedly being moulded under Binotto's
leadership.
