Ferrari F1 quit threat just a negotiation tactic - Agag

Formula E boss Alejandro Agag believes Ferrari's threat to quit F1 is likely just a tactical ploy destined to offer the manufacturer a better negotiation position in the future.

After reviewing last November the broad lines of Formula 1's proposed engine platform for 2021, Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne issued a quit threat, saying he would not hesitate to pull the Italian company out of Grand Prix racing if its interests were no longer in line with those of the sport.

Ferrari has occasionally threatened to wreak havoc on the sport in the past, but without ever following through.

Agag is among those who believe Marchionne's warning is a case of Ferrari flexing its muscles before F1 and the teams return to the negotiating table later this year to decide the future.

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"I think it does this [quit threat] probably in this moment to get a better negotiating position with F1," Agag told ESPN.

"I guess they are going to have a negotiation soon about the new contract. So that is probably more a tactical move than a real move."

Marchionne contends that Ferrari will be working on 'alternative strategies' to eventually compete outside of Formula 1.

With official manufacturer interest in Formula E ramping up big time, and Mercedes and Porsche soon joining the series, could the all-electric championship prove a viable alternative for Ferrari?

Agag doesn't believe a move will happen anytime in the near future.

"I haven't had any direct discussions with Sergio Marchionne or Ferrari, and Fiat is a group that has not done so much on electric.

"I think they will eventually, but I think it will take time for them. Of course we would love to have them, but I don't see this happening soon."

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