Ferrari Announces Its Third F1 Team Principal In The Space Of A Year

In April Stefano Domenicali announced that he was stepping down as Ferrari team principal, with Marco Mattiacci quickly being confirmed as his replacement. However, just eight months after his appointment, Mattiacci’s role has now been taken over by Maurizio Arrivabene.

This means that during Ferrari’s first win-less season since 1993, the team has had three team principals. Arrivabene joins the Maranello-based outfit after previously working for Ferrari sponsor Philip Morris and is also on the F1 Commission.

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne announced the news in a statement, saying:

“We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment in time for the Scuderia and for Formula 1, we need a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport,” said Marchionne.

“Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge: he has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing.

“He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on revitalisation of Formula 1. His managerial experience on a highly complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance, and will help him manage and motivate the team. I am delighted to have been able to secure his leadership for our racing activities.

“We would also like to thank Marco Mattiacci for his service to Ferrari in the last 15 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Despite beginning to restructure the team, Mattiacci has clearly failed to meet the expectations of Marchionne and turn Ferrari’s fortunes around. The hope is that the arrival of Arrivabene will help Ferrari return to the front, but it is certainly a tough task and one that won’t be completed any time soon.