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Rumors of Arrivabene-Binotto conflict flare up again

Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene and the Italian outfit's technical director Mattia Binotto are allegedly locked in a power struggle at Maranello according to rumors fueled by the Italian media.

Of course, when it comes to reports on Ferrari conveyed by Italy's press the usual disclaimers apply, meaning that the country's media usually takes a substance of truth, spins a story with a bout of exaggeration and then multiplies it by five before publication.

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Regardless, it isn't the first time this year that rumors of an internal rift between the team's executives have resonated inside the F1 paddock since Ferrari's title challenge all but vanished after the summer.

The exact bone of contention between Arrivabene and Binotto - if there really is one - isn't known, but one can easily imagine that it's probably centered precisely around the red squad's performance of late, with criticism and reproaches likely fusing from the opposing camps.

©WRI

The end result, according to reports from Italy, is an upper management in disarray and an ultimatum expressed by Binotto to Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri: "It's him [Arrivabene], or me!"

Sources close to Maranello also allege that the battle has drawn the attention of both Mercedes and Renault, who would be more than pleased to welcome Binotto to their respective technical departments in the event should the Swiss engineer depart the House of Maranello.

Rumors or not, we'll keep you posted…

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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.