Expectations for Ferrari 'enormous' after Arrivabene exit, says ACI boss

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Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the president of the Automobile Club d'Italia, says Ferrari's decision to axe team principal Maurizio Arrrivabene will generate "enormous" expectations for the Scuderia.

The ongoing power struggle that lingered for months in the corridors of Maranello between Arrivabene and Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto was finally sealed this week, in favour of the latter.

"The message is clear," Sticchi Damiani told Corriere dello Sport. "There can no longer be misunderstandings.

"The results can no longer be questioned because of communication issues between those responsible.

Arrivabene axed at Ferrari - Binotto set for team principal role!

As Binotto steps into his new role with immediate effect, Ferrari has not offered any information on who may replace the Swiss engineer as the Italian outfit's technical director.

But Sticchi Damiani believes Binotto could assume a dual role going forward.

"The appointment of Binotto and above all the fusion of the two most important roles within the team is a sensational development that means one thing: you have to win the two world championships right away," added the boss of Italy's governing body for motorsport.

"Expectations for 2019 are enormous and it is important that a point of equilibrium has been found.

"The shareholders clearly considered the risk of a third season with stumbles and missed opportunities unacceptable.

"It was also due to the fans, who have never abandoned Ferrari in moments of defeat or long waits."

Angelo Sticchi Damiani

Finally, the ACI boss says Charles Leclerc's promotion to the Scuderia is another piece of good news for Ferrari, the Italian hoping it will act as a motivator for Sebastian Vettel.

"Sebastian will not have welcomed the arrival of a young, fast and already very mature driver, but I am convinced that it can only help him and push him to give his best," said Sticchi Damiani.

"There is a need for new incentives after the incredible fragility demonstrated last season while racing in a kind of comfort zone with his friend Raikkonen at his side.

"Getting out of it can only do him good," he insisted.

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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.