Laurent Mekies leaves as Ferrari Sporting Director

Ferrari have announced the departure of Sporting Director Laurent Mekies.

Ferrari have confirmed the appointment of Diego Ioverno as Sporting Director after Laurent Mekies officially departed the team ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix 📝

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 27, 2023

The Frenchman was due to leave at the end of the season after he was announced as Franz Tost’s replacement at the wheel of Alpha Tauri.

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However, the Scuderia have decided now is the right moment to part ways and Mekies will not feature at the Belgium Grand Prix this weekend.

“Laurent Mekies’ time at Scuderia Ferrari comes to an end this week. The Racing Director will not be in Belgium and he leaves the Prancing Horse after four and a half seasons, during which time the team took seven wins. The entire team thanks him for his great contribution during those years.” the team statement said.

“As from the Belgian Grand Prix, part of Laurent’s duties on the pit wall will be carried out by Diego Ioverno, who takes on the role of Sporting Director. He will be responsible for all sporting matters, as well as liaising with the FIA.”

Ioverno is part of the close circle of team boss Frederic Vasseur and is another step in the ongoing restructure at Maranello.