Stefano Domenicali has stepped down as team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, after the legendary Italian marque made yet another poor start to the new season.
Domenicali, 48, took the top job at Ferrari ahead of 2008 season, after Jean Todt vacated the role of team principal. In his tenure at the Scuderia, Domenicali won only the constructors’ championship, in his first year. Since 2010, Ferrari have played bridesmaid to Red Bull Racing, as Sebastian Vettel propelled them to four consecutive driver’s championships and constructors’ championships.
In 2013 it was announced that Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 championship for Ferrari, would pair Fernando Alonso in 2014, in the midst of the new regulation changes. So far, Ferrari sit in fifth in the constructors’ standings, with 33 points. Alonso is fourth in the driver standings, having not yet been on the podium, while Raikkonen sits twelfth.
Domenicali said in a statement:
It is time for a significant change. As the boss, I take responsibility, as I have always done, for our current situation.
This decision has been taken with the aim of doing something to shake things up and for the good of this group of people that I feel very close to.
With all my heart, I thank all the men and women in the team, the drivers and the partners for the wonderful relationship we have enjoyed over all these years. I hope that very soon, Ferrari will be back where it deserves to be.
President Luca di Montezemolo in turn gave praise to his colleague upon his departure, saying, “I thank Stefano Domenicali, not only for his constant dedication and effort, but also for the great sense of responsibility he has shown, even today, in always putting the interests of Ferrari above all else.”
Di Montezemolo was present at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, where both the red cars were being dispatched over and over again by the Mercedes-Benz powered Force Indias. His body language during the race suggested he was unimpressed with where his team were progress-wise with the new power-unit and chassis.
Links have already been made to Ferrari’s former technical boss Ross Brawn as being their long term leader. In the meantime, Domenicali will be replaced by Marco Mattiacci, a man who has no experience in the racing field. Mattiacci currently serves as the CEO of Ferrari in North America.
So Roarers, does anyone think Domenicali was pushed to resign by Di Montezemolo? What will the future hold for the Scudera without Domenicali?
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The absolute vitriol against the Canadian that has come from the incident is beyond reprehensible.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is the Monaco of American motorsport, and this past weekend, the IndyCar Series reminded everyone exactly why. We witnessed…
New Zealand made a triumphant return to the Supercars championship calendar since the demise of the much-loved Pukekohe Park Raceway – as Taupō delivered…
Ricciardo was forced to retire after the Aston Martin driver slammed into the back of his car during a safety car restart but Stroll…
It’s time that serious questions are asked of his Lance Stroll and his future in the team.
Five-years is a long time in motorsport, let alone the general state of the world – especially given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic…
