Ferrari drops 'Mission Winnow' from team name

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It's but a minor detail in the grand scheme of things but Ferrari has dropped the 'Mission Winnow' label from its team name.

In an updated entry list for the 2019 F1 World Championship, the Italian squad simply appears on the ten-team list as 'Scuderia Ferrari'.

The House of Maranello has not released any information about the presence of 'Mission Winnow' on its SF90 car, but Ferrari could play it safe in Australia and scrap the name either partially or altogether to avoid any potential legal wranglings.

Ferrari and Philip Morris could be heading for trouble in Australia

Ferrari and long-time commercial partner Philip Morris International introduced the 'Mission Winnow' scheme at last year's Japanese Grand Prix as an initiative by PMI destined to "demonstrate our commitment to continuous innovation and development of new solutions that can expedite positive change for society."

Earlier this year, Australian authorities opened an investigation into the tobacco company's Mission Winnow logo - which advertises a product that doesn't really exist - believing it's presence is a bit too reminiscent of the famous Marlboro logo.

The 'Mission Winnow' concept could therefore be construed as a blatant marketing strategy to bend global anti-tobacco advertising rules.

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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.