Resta Joins Mercedes as Deputy Technical Director
Brackley, England — Simone Resta has officially transitioned to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team as deputy technical director, a significant move for the former Ferrari engineer. His appointment, announced after a brief gardening leave, aligns with Mercedes’ strategic focus ahead of the 2026 regulations.
Resta’s career at Ferrari spanned a decade, where he ascended from junior designer to technical director, notably during stints at partner teams Sauber and Haas. His new role sees him collaborating closely with technical director James Allison, with whom he shares a productive history from their previous tenure at Ferrari.
Key Responsibilities
In an exclusive interview, Resta elaborated on his responsibilities: “James has the overall vision focusing on long-term projects like 2026. My focus is on the short to medium-term developments as well as the integration of new technologies and processes for future growth.” This division of labor aims to optimize Mercedes’ technical operations as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
Resta’s move came earlier than anticipated—initial plans had him starting at Mercedes in 2025 after the normal gardening leave period. However, a swift agreement allowed his and performance director Loic Serra’s simultaneous onboarding last October, facilitating an accelerated integration into the team.
Background and Impact
Resta brings a wealth of experience to Mercedes, having worked extensively on vehicle development and aerodynamics. His rapport with Allison is described as collaborative, stemming from their shared history and mutual respect. “Our past experience at Ferrari provides a strong foundation for tackling challenges at Mercedes,” Resta stated.
This strategic hiring reflects Mercedes’ commitment to enhance its competitive edge as F1 evolves, signaling a proactive approach to future challenges. With Resta now officially on board, Mercedes looks to strengthen its technical team as it eyes success in the upcoming seasons.
