Ferrari announce personnel change ahead of Belgian GP

Ferrari has confirmed Laurent Mekies has left his role as Racing Director ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Mekies will become AlphaTauri Team Principal next year as part of the new management structure including Peter Bayer, following the end-of-season retirement of stalwart Franz Tost.

The Frenchman's future has been unknown since the announcement earlier this season, with the two parties negotiating a release date.

But ahead of the final race before the summer break, the Scuderia announced Mekies immediate departure, with his replacement named as new Sporting Director Diego Ioverno.

"Laurent Mekies’ time at Scuderia Ferrari comes to an end this week," a statement read.

"The Racing Director will not be in Belgium and he leaves the Prancing Horse after four and a half seasons, during which time the team took seven wins.

"The entire team thanks him for his great contribution during those years.

"As from the Belgian Grand Prix, part of Laurent’s duties on the pit wall will be carried out by Diego Ioverno, who takes on the role of Sporting Director.

"He will be responsible for all sporting matters, as well as liaising with the FIA. Ioverno is a veteran member of the Scuderia having worked in Maranello for the past 23 years.

"Along with his colleagues on the pit wall, Matteo Togninalli, Head of Track Engineering and Ravin Jain, Race Strategist, he will report directly to Team Principal Fred Vasseur."