F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ecclestone sees Ferrari as 'too Italian' to win the title

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Ferrari's current management structure is just "too Italian" for the Scuderia to bring back the title to Maranello.

Fundamental changes at the helm of the Italian outfit took place under the reign of Sergio Marchionne, with stability strengthening the team's foundation from 2016 and its performance improving thereafter.

A disastrous second part to its 2017 season deprived Ferrari of a shot at the world championship, but it's form early on in 2018 positioned itself as a favourite for the title, its SF71-H charger generally perceived as faster than Mercedes' W09.

However, sustained development of the W09 coupled with more errors in the Ferrari camp from both team and driver Sebastian Vettel saw Lewis Hamilton overhaul once again his arch-rival and now leave him in his dust as the season enters its final phase.

For Ecclestone, Ferrari's deficit and its inability to secure a title last won in 2008 is a reflection of its all too Italian management which contrasts with the successful and dominate run previously enjoyed by the squad under the guidance of Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher in the early 2000s.

"It's too Italian. I said to somebody the other day it's back to the old days," Ecclestone told ESPN in Sochi, referring to the lackluster period in the late 80s and early 90s that preceded Todt's arrival at Ferrari.

"We got Todt to go there and look after things a little bit, so it wasn't Italian too much, and Michael was running the team. So it was all a bit different. I think they're missing that sort of a set-up now."

The contrasting management styles that prevail at Ferrari and Mercedes have a direct bearing on the teams' respective results, says Ecclestone, with the German outfit managed as a totally independent entity compared to its Italian counterpart.

"Ferrari have got a completely different way of going on to Mercedes, haven't they?" added the 87-year-old.

"Mercedes has got a team that's pure, all they do is racing, it's nothing to do with the manufacturer.

"Ferrari is looking after their car production side of things, gearing that more or less to their Formula 1 performances. So it's run in a different way."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

14 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

15 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

17 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

19 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

20 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

21 hours ago