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Marchionne could leave Ferrari earlier than expected!

Fiat Chrysler and Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne could soon step down from his executive positions following an imminent decision by the Italian automotive group's board of directors.

Reports suggest the Fiat Chrysler board's decision to accelerate Marchionne's succession plan is rooted in a medical condition from which the 66-year-old manager is currently suffering, and which could bring forth a departure initially scheduled for later this year.

As its Chairman and CEO, Marchionne has been the man also guiding Ferrari's destiny since 2014, as well as the very determined and vocal representative of the Scuderia in its active negotiations with Formula 1 to format the sport's 2021 regulations.

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Logical candidates to his succession at Maranello include Ferrari board member and former Philip Morris chairman Louis Carey Camilleri as CEO, and Fiat heir John Elkann as President.

As one speculates on the future, it's unsure how the changes at the helm of Ferrari would impact its current state of affairs with regard to Formula 1.

Marchionne is the man in favour of promoting Sauber rookie Charles Leclerc to the Scuderia in 2019. Stepping down from his role could therefore shift Ferrari's options, and favour a status quo on the driver front with Kimi Raikkonen remaining paired with Sebastian Vettel.

However, Marchionne's successor is unlikely to be any less determined than the Italian-Canadian executive in the pursuit and protection of Ferrari's sporting and financial interests in Formula 1.

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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.