News summary
- Thierry Baritaud has left Ferrari’s Formula 1 hybrid engine division ahead of the Italian GP at Monza.
- Baritaud’s departure was not related to Ferrari’s recent power unit performance struggles, as the French engineer had already expressed his intention to retire.
- Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari’s technical director for power units, will temporarily take over Baritaud’s responsibilities.
Ferrari has suffered a change in its hybrid engine division ahead of the Italian GP with the departure of Thierry Baritaud, who was responsible for the area in Formula 1. The loss, however, did not come as a surprise, as the French engineer had already announced plans to retire. Enrico Gualtieri has been chosen as his interim replacement.
The information was reported by Italian journalist Leo Turrini and published by Quotidiano Nazionale on Wednesday (2). The change comes at a time when Ferrari is facing difficulties precisely with the electrical side of its power unit. Both the internal combustion engine and the hybrid system have been among the SF-26’s main weaknesses. However, it remains unclear whether the department will undergo further changes.
The timing of Baritaud’s departure is not related to Ferrari’s lack of performance. The engineer joined Ferrari in October 2000 and held several positions across both the Formula 1 operation and the road-car division.
Over the past 18 years, Thierry was assigned to work on hybrid technology in motorsport and was one of those responsible for introducing KERS into Ferrari’s project in 2009 and, later, ERS (Energy Recovery System).
In 2017, Baritaud took responsibility for Ferrari’s energy recovery system and turbocharger, placing him in a key position in the development of the team’s hybrid power units.
The departure comes as Ferrari prepares to introduce a major power unit update at Monza. The team has already confirmed its latest ADUO development, including changes to the turbocharger and combustion chamber, with an expected gain of up to 15 hp.
For now, Gualtieri, Ferrari’s technical director for power units, will assume Baritaud’s responsibilities on an interim basis.
The move comes during a crucial weekend for Ferrari at its home race. The team will also run a low-drag aerodynamic package at Monza, with revisions to the floor and rear wing aimed at maximizing straight-line performance. Ferrari’s latest Monza upgrade package
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO’s F1 coverage will follow all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season. The full Italian GP 2026 schedule and Monza session times are also available ahead of the weekend.
FAQ
1. Why did Thierry Baritaud leave Ferrari?
Baritaud’s departure was not linked to Ferrari’s recent performance problems. The French engineer had already expressed his intention to retire.
2. Who will replace Baritaud at Ferrari?
Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari’s technical director responsible for power units, will temporarily assume Baritaud’s responsibilities.
3. What was Thierry Baritaud’s role at Ferrari?
Baritaud played an important role in the development of Ferrari’s hybrid power units, including work on KERS, ERS, energy recovery systems and turbocharger technology.
