Ferrari blocking key Aston Martin F1 hire joining British team - report

Ferrari is holding back outgoing technical director Enrico Cardile joining Aston Martin until the summer, it has been reported.

According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, the Scuderia is insisting Cardile fulfil the entirety of his 12 months gardening leave, meaning he will not be able to start work for the Silverstone squad until July 17.

Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell confirmed Cardile will oversee architecture, design and structure of the team's F1 cars once he arrives.

However, the later the date of joining, the less influence the Italian will be able to have on the 2026 car, when F1 ushers in a swathe of new regulations.

Cardile, who oversaw chassis and aerodynamics in Maranello, will work closely with Aston Martin's new technical director Adrian Newey.

The 66-year-old officially started his role today, March 3, after nearly to two decades with Red Bull.

Corriere dello Sport has suggested the delay to Cardile joining has angered Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll.

It is understood that mediation was previously reached between the parties, but that agreement now appears to have been broken for reasons unclear. Lawyers for the two teams are said to be working on the case.

It is worth noting that when asked during pre-season testing in Bahrain, by select media including RacingNews365, when Cardile will join Aston Martin, Cowell twice sidestepped the question.