Ferrari loses engine expert Zimmermann to Audi.

      "Two significant departures ahead of the new 2026 regulations"

      11 September 2025 - 09:59

      Ferrari has faced a significant setback in its 2026 Formula 1 initiative, as veteran engine chief Wolf Zimmermann and his assistant Lars Schmidt have departed Maranello to join Mattia Binotto at Audi. Zimmermann has been a vital component of Ferrari's hybrid-era engine division since moving from Mercedes in 2014 at the request of former team principal Binotto. He was responsible for the design of the 'Superfast' power unit and was leading the development of Ferrari's next-generation engine, aiming to meet the extensive 2026 regulations. Il Corriere della Sera referred to him as "a genius with long, rock-star-like hair," and noted that his exit, along with Schmidt’s, occurs during a sensitive time for the Scuderia. Journalist Daniele Sparisci remarked, "With two significant departures just months before the new 2026 regulations take effect, it's a critical phase for the department led by Enrico Gualtieri." Another Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, described Zimmermann as "the father of Ferrari engines," confirming that he and Schmidt will be part of the Binotto-led new Audi team, which will take over from Sauber on the grid next year with a completely new German-made power unit. Ferrari claims the split is amicable and part of "normal turnover," highlighting new talent from Alpine and Mercedes to assist Gualtieri. However, the situation appears challenging as competitors advance with their own 2026 projects. There are rumors suggesting that Mercedes might already have a head start in the new 50-50 hybrid formula, although these assertions have yet to be substantiated. Veteran Italian columnist Leo Turrini commented that the departures raise complicated questions, stating, "The news of the split invites different interpretations," in Remarks for Quotidiano Nazionale. "Either there is disappointment concerning the Ferrari 2026 engine, or Binotto simply persuaded them to follow him to Audi. Winning breeds more winning; when losing occurs, rumors abound." Team principal Frederic Vasseur has tried to downplay the departures as a normal part of the technical staff transitions in Formula 1. Nevertheless, the timing is notable—Ferrari reportedly has not yet bench-tested its complete 2026 power unit, with only three months remaining until the FIA homologation deadline. Meanwhile, the Audi project has announced a new partnership with Adidas, which will supply and sponsor both Audi and Mercedes starting in 2026.