Ferrari blocks ex-engineer from joining Aston Martin

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Ferrari has secured a legal victory that prevents former engine chief Enrico Cardile from engaging with his new employer, Aston Martin, until his gardening leave period ends. This decision follows the Court of Modena's ruling on an urgent case brought by Ferrari.

Ferrari prevails in legal dispute over Enrico Cardile, defers Aston Martin engagement.

In July, Aston Martin announced Cardile's appointment as chief technical officer, but an official start date was never confirmed. The teams have since been negotiating this date, but it became apparent during preseason testing in Bahrain last week that no agreement had been reached.

Ferrari has now disclosed that it successfully sought a court order to prevent Cardile from collaborating with Aston Martin until July 18 of this year. Ferrari's statement to ESPN revealed that Cardile had already been in contact with his new team, breaching his existing contract.

"With reference to the recent news regarding the timing of Enrico Cardile's arrival at Aston Martin, Ferrari clarifies that a few weeks ago the Court of Modena, upholding the requests of the Company, ordered Enrico Cardile to immediately cease any form of collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team until next July 18," Ferrari stated. "In this urgent procedural phase, the Court of Modena found that our former employee was already violating the non-compete commitment with Ferrari, whose purpose was precisely to prevent other F1 teams from gaining an unjustified competitive advantage by hiring Cardile earlier than allowed, causing irreparable harm to Ferrari."

Aston Martin has yet to specify a start date for Cardile. The team issued a statement in response, emphasizing it as a legal matter currently under review in Italy, adding, "This is a matter between Enrico and Ferrari and their legal representatives in Italy, and the parties continue to be engaged in the process. As such, we won't be making any further comment. We will make an announcement in due course."

As Aston Martin welcomes F1 design legend Adrian Newey into his role as managing technical partner, the team is undergoing significant transitions. Newey's appointment has sparked excitement, with driver Fernando Alonso labeling Aston Martin as "the team of the future."

The team, which hired 248 new employees during 2024, aims to become a championship contender following the 2026 rule changes involving aerodynamic and engine regulations. Additionally, Aston Martin has secured an exclusive engine deal with Honda starting next year, building on Honda's recent success with Red Bull in the driver's and constructor's championships.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll's ambition to elevate Aston Martin to championship status underscores the strategic enhancements and high-profile recruitments aimed at bolstering their competitive edge.

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