Jerome d'Ambrosio becomes Mercedes' Helmut Marko

Mercedes has appointed its own Helmut Marko: Jerome d'Ambrosio will immediately take up the job as final manager of the German racing team junior programme. James Vowles oversaw the talent programme in recent years.

Mercedes make team moves

This year, Jerome d'Ambrosio, who was an executive at Venturi's Formula E team, had been seen near team boss Toto Wolff several times in the Mercedes garage, but the Brackley-based team always denied that D'Ambrosio held any position. As of this week, therefore, that has changed.

D'Ambrosio drove 20 races in Formula 1 and was seen on the paddock of the Jeddah circuit wearing Mercedes clothes. Consequently, last year's number three among constructors has now confirmed that D'Ambrosio has signed a contract as head of the junior programme.

In Formula 2, Denmark's Frederik Vesti drives, and Estonian Paul Aron is active in Formula 3. The seven other drivers are driving at a lower level for now. This is in stark contrast to the number of talents Red Bull has driving in F2 and F3. Helmut Marko has six talents driving in Formula 2 and two drivers making their appearance in Formula 3.