Mercedes sign former Ferrari designer Simone Resta as Strategic Development Director

Mercedes have moved to bolster their technical department by signing former Ferrari designer Simone Resta as Strategic Development Director.

Resta will team up with the Silver Arrows’ Technical Director James Allison, whom he worked with at Ferrari between 2013 and 2016.

READ MORE: Haas Technical Director Simone Resta departs role after conclusion of loan arrangement

After leaving Haas, Resta returned to Ferrari but did not join up with the Formula 1 division. The Italian is expected to take up his role with Mercedes at some point in 2025, after a period of gardening leave.

Resta will be joined by Ferrari colleague Enrico Sampo, who worked in the Scuderia’s simulator department, as Head of Performance Software Applications.

Meanwhile, Mercedes’ out-going Performance Director Loic Serra will be replaced by David Nelson, who has earned promotion from his role in the vehicle dynamics division.

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Serra is set to join rivals Ferrari, however is currently continuing to work for Mercedes – and it remains unclear when he will finally depart the Brackley-based team.

The changes come as part of a restructuring of the team’s technical department as they bid to overhaul Red Bull and return to the front of the field.

The eight-time constructors’ world champions dropped off the top of pack when the new technical rules were introduced in 2022.

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With sweeping new rules coming in 2026 – including a move to 100% sustainable fuels and greater focus on electrical power – Mercedes are putting the building blocks in place to support their plan to become a force in F1 once more.