Jérôme d'Ambrosio
A Belgian driver who carved a path from Formula One grids to the executive suite, now helping steer the legendary Ferrari team.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Belgian racing driver and motorsport executive·Birthday: December 27·Millennials
Biography
Jérôme d'Ambrosio's story in motorsport is one of strategic reinvention. His time as a Formula One driver, though brief with the Virgin and Lotus teams, was the hard-won pinnacle of a successful junior career that included winning the 2009 Formula Renault 3.5 Series. He was known as a steady, intelligent driver who maximized the potential of underperforming cars. When the F1 door closed, d'Ambrosio didn't leave the paddock; he evolved. He became a respected test and reserve driver for Lotus and later Ferrari, while simultaneously building a successful second act in Formula E, where he claimed race wins and proved his adaptability. This dual-track experience—hands-on driving and behind-the-scenes development—made him a unique asset. In 2023, Ferrari recognized his blend of track insight and managerial acumen, appointing him deputy team principal, a role where he now plays a crucial part in guiding the sport's most storied team back to the front.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jérôme was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jérôme Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Jérôme's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Competed in 20 Formula One Grands Prix for the Virgin and Lotus teams between 2011 and 2012.
- Won the 2009 Formula Renault 3.5 Series championship, a key feeder series to F1.
- Secured three race victories in the all-electric Formula E championship during his tenure there.
- Served as a test and development driver for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team from 2020 to 2022.
- Appointed Deputy Team Principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team in 2023, also heading the Ferrari Driver Academy.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in French, English, Italian, and Dutch.
D'Ambrosio briefly pursued a degree in civil engineering before focusing fully on racing.
He made his Formula One debut at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, finishing 14th.
After his F1 driving career, he served as a television commentator for Belgian F1 coverage.
“You always have to be ready because you never know when the opportunity will come.”
