Ferrari have had a major change in team personnel for the 2019 season, with Leclerc coming in for Raikkonen and then Binotto replacing Arrivabene as the team principal.
Arrivabene’s job had been on the line ever since Ferrari ended in second position in the 2018 campaign, despite for a long time having the best car on track.
Binotto, who had admirably marshalled his troops on technical side of Ferrari’s functioning was seen as the leader that the work force desired.
He was thus promoted to being the team principal, overlooking both the technical and the strategic aspect of Ferrari’s running in F1.
The move was a result of the internal power struggle that Ferrari were going through, wherein a large part of the work force wanted Arrivabene gone, with Binotto replacing him at the helm of on-track affairs.
Amidst this major shake up, reports had suggested that CEO Louis Camilleri could also be replaced, with Lamborghini CEO Domenicali to return back to Ferrari.
However, in an open letter(one that was published on Gazetta dello Sport) for the Ferrari President, John Elkann has announced that Ferrari’s restructuring has been completed and the top management wouldn’t be tinkered with any further(at least not for the foreseeable future).
“I read with surprise words and opinions attributed to me about Ferrari, but that have never been said and do not reflect my thoughts,” Elkann said.
“I feel obliged to clarify some points, for the benefit of readers and in respect of the truth.
“The appointment of Mattia Binotto to team principal of Scuderia Ferrari does not represent ‘a turnaround’ in management and does not arise from alleged disagreements within the team.
“On the contrary, it was a choice decided by the company in agreement with Maurizio Arrivabene, who has worked tirelessly in the four years of work in that position to turn the Scuderia back to the levels of competitiveness it deserves.
“The work of Mattia, which has already begun in anticipation of the season that is about to start, rests its foundation precisely on what has been done in recent years.
“It is a line of continuity that aims at evolution, certainly not a ‘rupture’ compared to the past.” he added.
Now, addressing the Camilleri rumors, Elkann confirmed that his position as the Ferrari CEO was not under threat. He has thereby quashed all rumors of Lamborghini CEO Domenicali returning to Ferrari.
“I reject any rumour or imagination that suggests returning to the past and further changes in our structure,” he said.
“My commitment to ensure stability and concentration to Ferrari is total, as is that of the CEO Louis Camilleri.
“Together, and with the contribution of all the women and men of Ferrari, we will reach the goals that we presented publicly a few months ago from Maranello.” he concluded.
