Ferrari have hired Jasper van Schaick, an engineer from Mercedes' power unit division, to join their chassis department. Van Schaick, who worked at Mercedes during Lewis Hamilton's title-winning seasons, confirmed on LinkedIn that he started at Maranello this month as a chassis vehicle system specialist.

Van Schaick spent almost eight years at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains after joining in 2018. From 2018 to 2024 he was a mechanical engineer at HPP, designing numerous systems of the the F1 power unit and working with the chassis department chassis team to implement the lowest friction, high performance and reliable installation of the PU.

In September 2024, he became a concept engineer, developing new concepts and performance ideas for Mercedes' power unit while continuing to work with the chassis team. He held that role until May 2026.

The Dutchman's time with the Silver Arrows covered Hamilton's championship wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Hamilton joined Ferrari from Mercedes last season, with the pair now reunited as Van Schaick begins work this month.

A last-minute change of plans

Photo: Race Pictures

According to Van Schaick's LinkedIn announcement, the Dutch engineer joined Ferrari after a last-minute change of plans. In his LinkedIn post, he said he loved working towards wins and championships, and that he would have lost that by moving back to the Netherlands.

He said: "After getting all things in order to return to the Netherlands, following 11 years in the UK, a late change of plans! Engineering bits for a Formula 1 race car is fantastic. Collectively working to the same goal of winning races and championships never gets old. Something I would have missed if I would return to the Netherlands.

"I am really happy and grateful to share that I have started at Scuderia Ferrari. Time to push for a world championship again with the team. I'll try my best."

Ferrari's engine gap to Mercedes

Ferrari's power unit has been their weak point in 2026. Ferrari got two ADUO upgrades this year, but according to driver Charles Leclerc, the team still lack "raw performance."

While not on the engine side, Ferrari are reportedly set to bring a fourth and final upgrade package to Austin this weekend, targeting the floor, sidepods, bodywork and front wing. The Scuderia currently trail Mercedes by 144 points in the Constructors' standings.

Hamilton has said the same thing, insisting to Sky Sports that while Ferrari have built a "fundamentally great car," praising the Scuderia's innovation this year, the team "have to catch up" with regard to their power deficit in 2027. Hamilton sits P3 in the Drivers' standings, 111 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.