Marchionne expects a less emotive Vettel in 2018

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Ferrari supremo Sergio Marchionne has no doubt the Scuderia will further improve in 2018, and so will Sebastian Vettel's emotions.

The German gave Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton a run for their money in the first half of 2017, but poor judgment in a few instances coupled with reliability issues ultimately wreaked havoc on his title chances.

Marchionne however believes the four-time world champion has learned his lessons this year.

"Sebastian Vettel is a guy who studies a lot, studies himself and is committed," said the Fiat-Chrysler boss, speaking at Ferrari's annual media Christmas dinner.

Marchionne gets tough: 'Don't call my bluff!'

"Therefore, I think that we will see less of his emotive side. I think he has learned enough.

"Plus, there were plenty of opportunities for him to get annoyed, as he’s had a couple of rather difficult seasons, this year and the previous one."

Marchionne labeled Ferrari's end-of-season collapse as "unpleasant and embarrassing", but he also praised the team for its undeniable progress.

"Given where we started from last year, this season we have taken giant strides forward. Having said that, the second half of 2017 was character building.

"From back in August of last year, when we overhauled the organisation, I totally believed that these guys, with Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal and Mattia Binotto heading up the technical side, would be capable of doing something amazing.

"We really believed we could do much more, but in 2017, we were unable to reach our objectives.

"That has also resulted in some changes to the organisation of the Gestione Sportiva. We can already see significant signs of change when it comes to the team’s production capacity.

"The important thing is to start 2018 with all this expertise and experience and to manage this organisation. I have no doubt that we will be competitive."

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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.