'Mission Winnow' ditched for Melbourne but Ferrari preparing a surprise

Ferrari has confirmed that its 'Mission Winnow' branding will not appear on its cars or team kit in Melbourne, but CEO Louis Camilleri has promised a surprise for fans.

The Scuderia was running the risk of finding itself in hot water with Australian health authorities who consider the Italian outfit's 'Mission Winnow' scheme as but a clever marketing ploy to circumvent anti-tobacco rules.

Ferrari drops 'Mission Winnow' from team name

To avoid any legal wrangling, Ferrari has therefore decided to ditch its controversial branding altogether.

"There were problems with the health department [in Australia] and there was no time for Philip Morris to find a solution," Camilleri told Autosport during a visit to the International Motor Show in Geneva.

"In any case, in Australia we will have a surprise for the fans on the car."

The Scuderia will revert to its 2018 team kit for the Australian Grand Prix, but the 'Mission Winnow' branding is expected to return in Bahrain at the end of the month.

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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.