Key Ferrari Power Unit Engineers Reportedly Moving to Audi

Key Ferrari Power Unit Engineers Reportedly Moving to Audi

Why it matters: Ferrari is reportedly set to lose two significant figures from its power unit department, Wolff Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt, who are said to be moving to Audi's burgeoning F1 project. This signifies a notable brain drain for the Scuderia and a strategic gain for Audi, potentially impacting the 2026 season.

The big picture: These rumored departures come as Audi prepares to fully enter Formula 1 in 2026, taking over the Stake F1 team. The move would reunite Zimmermann and Schmidt with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who is now spearheading Audi's F1 efforts, indicating his influence in shaping their technical structure.

The details:

• Wolff Zimmermann, Ferrari's Power Unit project leader, is highly regarded as an innovator in F1 engine design. His departure is considered a critical loss due to his strategic influence on current and future engine development.
• Lars Schmidt, the lead engineer for internal combustion engine performance development, is also expected to join Audi alongside Zimmermann, rekindling their professional relationship under Binotto.
• Reports from Italian media, including Autoracer and Corriere dello Sport, indicate these engineers are making the switch.
• The exact timeline for their move remains undisclosed, but it's linked to Audi's ongoing preparations for its F1 entry.
• Despite these potential exits, Enrico Gualtieri continues to oversee Ferrari's 2026 power unit project, ensuring some continuity within the department's leadership.

What's next: These potential recruitments underline Mattia Binotto's aggressive strategy to build Audi's F1 engine program with experienced personnel from a top competitor. The influx of talent from a leading F1 engine manufacturer like Ferrari could significantly bolster Audi's competitive standing for the 2026 regulations and beyond, potentially shifting the constructor landscape.