Ferrari has strengthened its technical organisation by recruiting Dutch engineer Jasper van Schaick from Mercedes, as the Scuderia looks to close the gap to its rivals and mount another Formula 1 World Championship challenge.
Van Schaick spent eight years working for Mercedes, where he contributed to the development of powertrain technology. His most recent responsibilities included work on concepts for the current generation of Formula 1 engines, introduced under the sport’s 2026 technical regulations.
The move gives Ferrari another experienced engineer with knowledge of Mercedes’ technical development processes at a time when the Italian team is looking to improve its competitiveness.
Jasper van Schaick leaves Mercedes after eight years
Van Schaick announced his move on LinkedIn, confirming that he had joined Ferrari as a Chassis Vehicle System Specialist.
The engineer had initially intended to return to the Netherlands after leaving Mercedes. However, a late change of plans ultimately brought him to Maranello and a new opportunity with one of Formula 1’s most historic teams.
Explaining his decision, van Schaick wrote: “The technical work on a Formula 1 race car is fantastic. Working together towards the same goal – winning races and championships – never gets boring. I would have missed that if I had returned to the Netherlands.”
His comments underline the appeal of continuing to work in Formula 1, where the demands of developing a competitive car remain a major attraction for engineers across the paddock.
Ferrari strengthens its technical operation
Van Schaick’s appointment comes as Ferrari continues to develop its technical structure in pursuit of improved results.
His previous experience at Mercedes includes involvement in powertrain development, although his new position at Ferrari is focused on chassis vehicle systems. His appointment should therefore not automatically be interpreted as a direct transfer into Ferrari’s engine department.
Nevertheless, his experience of working within Mercedes’ technical organisation could provide useful insight as Ferrari evaluates its overall car development programme.
The recruitment also reflects the ongoing movement of technical personnel between Formula 1’s leading teams, with experienced engineers often bringing valuable knowledge of development methods and working practices from previous employers.
Ferrari targets a return to championship contention
Mercedes has established itself as a major force under the 2026 regulations, with its power unit performance an important part of its competitiveness. Ferrari, meanwhile, has shown strengths in certain areas of chassis performance but has faced challenges in matching its rivals’ overall pace.
The differences between the teams underline the complexity of Formula 1 development, where aerodynamic efficiency, chassis balance, power delivery and energy management must work together to produce a winning package.
Ferrari’s recruitment of van Schaick is one part of that wider effort. His arrival alone will not determine whether the Scuderia can challenge for championships, but adding experienced personnel remains an important element of its long-term development strategy.
Van Schaick sets his sights on winning with Ferrari
The Dutch engineer made clear that he sees his move to Maranello as an opportunity to contribute to Ferrari’s ambitions.
“I’m happy and grateful,” van Schaick wrote, before adding: “It’s time to fight for the world championship again with the team. I will give it my all.”
Ferrari’s challenge will be to translate its investment in personnel and technical development into consistent performance on track.
With the 2027 season already an important target for teams planning their next steps, van Schaick’s appointment adds another experienced figure to Ferrari’s efforts to return to the front of Formula 1.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
