FORMER Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile has been blocked from immediately starting his new role with Aston Martin following a court case in Italy.
Cardile left his role at Ferrari last July to join Aston Martin as their new chief technical officer, sparking a legal dispute over when the 49-year-old could begin his new job.
Ferrari have now won their court case regarding Cardile’s gardening leave, meaning he can’t begin his new job until July 18.
A statement released by Ferrari explained that a judge in Modena made the ruling “a few weeks ago”.
It read: “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 18th.
READ MORE F1 NEWS
“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 released a statement of their own, writing: “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.”
Most read in Motorsport
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The ruling means that Cardile will now be unable to join Aston Martin’s team until long into the development of the team’s 2026 car.
Aston Martin are undergoing a huge restructure ahead of Formula One’s new chassis and engine regulations for 2026.
The British team have already announced the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey, as they look to improve on consecutive fifth place finishes in the Constructor’s Championship.
Newey, who previously worked with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, began work as the managing technical partner on Monday.
Aston Martin will also be powered by Honda works engines for the first time in 2026, having previously used Mercedes since 2022.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
