Domenicali: Ferrari gave up demands for F1's greater-good

Former Scuderia boss Stefano Domenicali believes Ferrari reined in its budget cap demands to favour the greater good of the sport over its individual interests.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto was initially reluctant to accept a reduction of F1's budget cap below the $150m level as it would entail layoffs at Maranello that the Italian outfit was keen to avoid during these difficult times.

Binotto hinted at Ferrari deploying its resources elsewhere in motorsport if F1's financial regulations were out of line with its views, but ultimately the Scuderia agreed to a sliding scale cut back from $145m to $130m over the next three years.

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Speaking to Sky F1, Domenicali was asked if Ferrari sacrificed its view for the benefit of f1 as a whole.

"I think, from what I can see, that this was exactly the kind of approach that Ferrari had," agreed the Italian who now heads Lamborghini.

"Not only for Ferrari but also for the biggest organisations, to go down dramatically in cost is something that is not easy to achieve.

"We cannot forget that Ferrari, like Mercedes for example, has a structure that is there for the engine or the powertrain side too.

"As far as I can understand, they’ve now found an agreement to decrease the costs which is imperative in this moment."

Domenicali says that common sense has prevailed among F1's big teams with regard to accepting the sport's new financial model.

"I think the work that has been shown, as I say, not only by Ferrari but also from Mercedes and Red Bull, is the way to do it, because there is no alternative," he added.

"The situation is still very complex in that respect. We really hope that everyone can pass through this year, because this is a crucial year.

"From what I can see, I think that Liberty Media and the FIA are doing an amazing job to make sure that there is a vision after this big, big thunderstorm that is in our world."

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