Marchionne blasts 'Moses' Brawn and his Ten Commandments!

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Sergio Marchionne is definitely at odds with Ross Brawn, claiming Formula 1's sporting boss acts like "Moses reading the Ten Commandments".

The Ferrari president ramped up his criticism of Formula 1's current vision of the future which departs, according to Marchionne, with the sport's DNA.

The Fiat-Chryser boss took a direct swipe at Brawn's ideas and approach to F1's affairs.

"I have a good relationship with Chase Carey," he told Speed Week.

"We saw each other 10 days ago and we had a very open dialogue.

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

"What I do not care for is when Ross Brawn comes along and announces that grid girls have to go. And how the engines and chassis should be.

"He behaves like Moses reading the Ten Commandments. And when I call Moses' boss, he tells me that it was just his personal opinion.

"So I don't want to participate in such a discourse. I want to sit down and talk to those involved. It's not helpful to involve the media," Marchionne added.

Marchionne revealed the selling price of a current F1 power unit which he puts at €15 million, a number directly linked to the level of technology embedded in the engines, and pushed back once again the future engine rules' potential lack of differentiation.

"When I hear Ross Brawn say engines are too complicated, I ask 'What does he want for 15 million?'" said Marchionne.

"Liberty Media is right when they say we need to improve the show. I was not excited with what was offered at the last race, where virtually nothing happened for 50 laps.

"But that's not the fault of the engines.

"In an ideal world I would throw all the rules out of the window. Instead, we get suggestions that would lead to all the cars differing only in colour.

"If this is the Formula 1 of the future, then Ferrari will only need three seconds to decide about leaving," Marchionne said.

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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.