It is being reported by Italian paper Il Giornale that Ferrari's chief engine designer Lorenzo Sassi has left the team on direct order from President Sergio Marchionne.
The departure, which has not been officially confirmed by the Scuderia, apparently occurred earlier this week.
The move is considered as a surprise given the progress accomplished this season by Ferrari on its power unit front.
But reports are also suggesting that Marchionne may have moved Sassi to Ferrari's road-car division in order to bolster its engine department, with the engineer's expertise held in high regard by the Italian manufacturer's boss.
The team is also scheduled to introduce a major engine upgrade at the British Grand Prix next week, which should provide the team's SF70H with an extra boost of performance.
Questioned by a reporter at today's media conference in Austria, Sebastian Vettel feigned to ignore the news.
"I don't know what you are referring to," he said. "It is better you ask a little bit higher up."
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The FIA has opened a new chapter in its governance structure – one that immediately…
Lewis Hamilton has lifted the lid on a painful secret that followed him into his…
It’s back to the picturesque and rolling hills of Styria for the Austrian GP at…
Fernando Alonso has had enough. Standing before the media on Thursday at the Red Bull…
Esteban Ocon has once again found himself batting away questions about his Formula 1 future,…
Kimi Antonelli will head into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix armed with fresh Mercedes hardware…