Official: Arrivabene replaces Mattiacci at Ferrari
The Scuderia Ferrari is changing its director once again, as Marco Mattiacci, who succeeded Stefano Domenicali in April, is being replaced by Maurizio Arrivabene.
Seven months after taking the helm of Scuderia Ferrari, Marco Mattiacci was replaced by Maurizio Arrivabene.
Arrivabene comes from the tobacco industry, specifically from the company Philip Morris, which owns Marlboro, sponsor of the Ferrari team. He has had a role in Formula 1 as he was the representative of the sport’s sponsors within the F1 Commission since 2010.
Sergio Marchionne, the president of Ferrari, stated: “We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment for the Scuderia and for Formula 1, we need someone who not only understands Ferrari but also the mechanisms and necessities of governing the sport. Maurizio has a unique knowledge: he has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also aware of the challenges ahead. He has been a constant source of innovative ideas aimed at revitalizing Formula 1. His management experience in a highly complex and heavily regulated market is also of great importance, and this will help him manage and motivate the team. I am delighted to have been able to secure his leadership for our racing activities.”
The information comes 24 hours after the end of the season. The Scuderia enters a new era with the departures of Fernando Alonso and Marco Mattiacci, who had succeeded Stefano Domenicali, ending the period when Luca di Montezemolo was in charge. This season, Ferrari did not win any races, a first since 1993, and finished in fourth position in the constructors’ championship.
« We would also like to thank Marco Mattiacci for serving Ferrari over the past 15 years, and we wish him success in his future projects, » concludes the statement. According to independent journalist Adam Cooper, the situation surrounding Fernando Alonso – his departure and the fact that at one point, Ferrari had three world champions under contract for 2015, with the financial consequences of a contractual negotiation with the Spaniard – might not be unrelated to Mattiacci’s departure.
