Having struggled with strategic errors and reliability issues last season, Ferrari were expected to come flying out of the blocks this season.
Under the new leadership of Fred Vasseur, the team were expected to solve the issues that plagued them last season, allowing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to mount a serious title challenge.
The Bahrain Grand Prix unfortunately proved that the Scuderia are still not where they want to be, with Red Bull proving almost untouchable over the course of the race weekend.
The Scuderia’s reliability problems raised their head once again, with Charles Leclerc being forced to retire from the season opener with a power unit issue related to the energy store.
READ: Lewis Hamilton calls for Stefano Domenicali’s support in FIA standoff
In the wake of Ferrari’s disappointing start to the season, multiple members of staff have become frustrated with the Ferrari project, with head of concept David Sanchez reportedly on the verge of joining McLaren.
It has now been reported by Formu1a.uno that assistant team principal and race director Laurent Mekies is set to depart Ferrari, with a number of projects appealing to the long-time employee.
Mekies is reportedly unhappy with Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna’s leadership style, leading him to decide that a move away from the team is the best option for him going forward.
With regards to the current grid, Alpine are reportedly interesting in luring Mekies away from Ferrari, with the French team’s project looking to be an appealing one considering the team’s success during its first two seasons in F1.
READ: Ex-McLaren employee sends stark warning to Max Verstappen’s rivals
Both Liberty Media and the FIA are also rumoured to have made an offer to the Frenchman, with Mekies’ services being highly sought after.
Should Mekies choose to take up a new role following his time with Ferrari, which began in 2018, he would have to serve some gardening leave before being able to begin working elsewhere.
Mekies departure from Ferrari looks all but certain now, with Corriere della Sera also reporting that the Frenchman’s relationship with Ferrari is all but finished following the disappointing start to the season and friction behind closed doors.