Is a power struggle brewing at Ferrari?

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Reports from Italy are suggesting that tensions are ramping up at Ferrari as internal strife takes hold among the with the Italian outfit's top brass.

A power struggle at the House of Maranello has apparently developed between Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene and tech chief Mattia Binotto.

According to Italian media , the first sign of Binotto's push for power came some weeks ago, when Ferrari engine chief Lorenzo Sassi was demoted to the road car division.

Germany's Bild is reporting that Arrivabene has now moved to involve Ferrari sponsor Philip Morris - also his former employer - in the dispute.

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A creative atmosphere fostered under Binotto in the past year has led to several technical innovations, such as the oil-for-fuel ploy which the FIA frowned upon and has subsequently outlawed, or Ferrari's alleged flexible floor.

"I think the oil burning is not something directly related to Ferrari," said Binotto.

"And the floor, honestly, I don't think there is any impact on our performance."

Regardless of the relationship between Binotto and Arrivabene, there is no disputing the former's successful role in Ferrari's performance this season, as last Sunday's Hungarian GP demonstrated.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.