Cardile Starts at Aston Martin After Legal Dispute with Ferrari

Aston Martin has confirmed the addition of Enrico Cardile as technical director of its Formula 1 team. The Italian engineer, coming from Ferrari, finally joins the team after an agreement that ended a dispute over his start date. Cardile, who left his position as technical director at Ferrari in mid-2024, was one of the key signings made by Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, with the aim of turning the team into a championship contender from 2026. This ambitious strategy includes the incorporation of prominent figures such as Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell. Cardile’s arrival at Aston Martin was initially delayed by a court order issued earlier this year. Ferrari sought to prevent Cardile from collaborating with Aston Martin before his “gardening leave” period ended. The Italian team stated that the court determined that “our former employee was already violating the non-compete agreement with Ferrari, whose purpose was precisely to prevent other F1 teams from gaining an unjustified competitive advantage by hiring Cardile before allowed, causing irreparable damage to Ferrari”.

Aston Martin has confirmed that Cardile has started working in his new role. The team expressed its satisfaction at having reached a resolution, and highlighted the importance of having Cardile as technical director, leading the design and technical functions at the AMR Technology Campus. The incorporation of Cardile reinforces the Aston Martin team for the new era of F1, which will introduce new regulations and engines, promising a change in the competitive order. Stroll has described Newey, Cowell and Cardile as a “formidable leadership team”. Cardile will report to the team principal and Group CEO, Cowell. Aston Martin has also made significant investments, including a new and modern F1 facility at its headquarters, located opposite the Silverstone circuit. In addition, the team will start the new cycle of regulations with an exclusive supply of Honda engines, after years of using Mercedes power units. Honda will end its partnership with Red Bull at the end of 2025.