Former Formula 1 driver Jerome d’Ambrosio has been appointed as the ‘reserve team boss’ at Mercedes, according to Toto Wolff’s revelation.
In recent times, d’Ambrosio, who previously competed for Virgin and Lotus in F1, has been frequently seen by Wolff’s side during grands prix, taking on the new responsibility as driver development director.
Before this role, he served as the team boss at the Formula E outfit Venturi, where Wolff’s wife Susie also held a prominent position.
However, reports from French magazine Auto Hebdo indicate that the 37-year-old Belgian, d’Ambrosio, has now assumed several duties that were previously handled by James Vowles, who has recently become the team boss at Williams.
Wolff confirmed the new arrangement, stating, “When I am absent at a grand prix, Jerome will take my place.”
“While this has only happened three times in 11 years, it is crucial to be prepared for such situations,” the team boss and co-owner added.
Reflecting on d’Ambrosio’s performance at Venturi, Wolff remarked, “Jerome did a very good job last year with his role at Venturi – a small structure which obviously has little to do with ours, which still has 2500 people.”
“However, he is involved and I must even say that most of his interventions are sensible during the grands prix,” Wolff continued.
“With a touch of humor, I can say that this is already a remarkable score, as James Allison often told me that I said 50 percent intelligent things and 50 percent nonsense,” Wolff playfully commented.
More seriously, Wolff expressed his belief in d’Ambrosio’s potential to excel in his new role, stating, “We have to give him time, but I have the impression that he has the right profile to take on this role.”
“He must now gain credibility within the team and in the paddock. He still has time, but in case of absence on my part, he will be able to replace me.”
