Laurent Mekies Leaves FIA, Joins Ferrari

FIA safety director Laurent Mekies joins Ferrari from the governing body of the sport.

Mekies, who was also the FIA deputy race director, will fulfil his safety roles while he sees out his three-month notice period.

Ferrari confirmed that Mekies will be joining in a unspecified technical role.

The Frenchmen will be reporting to Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto when he joins the team at the end of the year.

FIA released a statement confirming the move, saying:

"Until his departure from the FIA at the end of June, Mekies will continue to act as the FIA safety director,"

"However he will immediately cease all F1 duties and will no longer be involved in any F1 matter, stepping down from his role as a deputy F1 race director with immediate effect."

The move comes sixth months on from FIA technical chief Martin Budkowski joined Renault, prompting outcry from rival teams.

The outcry prompted Renault to delay Budkowski’s arrival until April this year.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner believed that it was unacceptable for senior FIA figures to serve just three months’ gardening leave as they are in “an extremely privileged position”.

We are yet to see how the teams bosses will react to the latest move from the FIA.