Marchionne issues warning to Ferrari threat sceptics

  • Published on 19 Dec 2017 09:40
  • comments 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has said that the Italian marque's previous threats to quit the sport still stand, and those who don't believe them are "playing with fire". After the unveiling of the 2021 engine regulations, Ferrari was heavily disgruntled with Marchionne going as far as stating it would leave the sport over them.

Some hushed down the thoughts of Ferrari, Formula 1's most successful team, actually departing the paddock, while others reckoned that the comments should be taken seriously. Speaking at Maranello, Marchionne once again buffed his quit warnings.

"Making cars all the same with simpler and cheaper engines is like NASCAR, it doesn’t interest us," he said. "We need to find a balanced solution for the future that satisfies everyone and I think we will do it in time. Otherwise Ferrari will leave. If they (sceptics) think we are bluffing, they are playing with fire."

With most of F1's teams tied in contract until the end of 2020, Marchionne thinks that if Ferrari walked away, it would have the power to convince other teams to form a separate racing series: "I think that Ferrari has the strength to drag others as well to an alternative championship," he stated.

Replies (3)

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  • Barron

    Posts: 625

    By golly he really thinks he is “Don Marchionne”! What a lot of blather. I am a keen supporter of Ferrari but I’m beginning to lose interest with this man’s bluster and threats. Don’t just talk about it, just do it! Leave F1 and be gone with you!

    • + 0
    • Dec 19 2017 - 11:08
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    Why would other teams join a separate series run by and for Ferrari ? Marchionne sounds about as sane as Todt with these silly comments. Stop the threats and quit or just stop talking.

    • + 0
    • Dec 19 2017 - 19:46
  • Stupid Ferrari arrogance. Nobody is buying it Sergio. Specially after calling your own bluff with Alfa Romeo joining Sauber. I still maintain that if Ferrari left, but Porsche, Aston Martin, Lamborghini took their place because of new regulations, Formula 1 would be just fine, especially if the race improves. Also, NOBODY is arguing for engines like Nascar.

    • + 0
    • Dec 19 2017 - 20:29

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