Domenicali hopes Ferrari will 'stay on track' and remain focused

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Formula 1 boss and ex-Ferrari top man Stefano Domenicali hopes his former team's big recovery in the last two years won't be derailed by Mattia Binotto's departure.

Ferrari ambitioned to fight for the world title this season after enjoying a strong start to its 2022 campaign. And indeed, the Italian outfit and Charles Leclerc appeared at one point as the sole contenders to challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

Unfortunately, the Scuderia's efforts were progressively undermined by self-inflicted wounds and strategy missteps that left it hopelessly trailing its front-running rival.

Read also: Leclerc says 'esteem and respect' for Binotto never waned

The Italian outfit nevertheless concluded its year in second position in both the Constructors' and the Drivers' standings, but well adrift from Red Bull and Verstappen in both championships.

The results coupled with the team's botched opportunities and operational issues convinced Ferrari's top brass to part ways with Binotto.

"Of course when you are second in Ferrari, it is something that is not enough," Dominical told Sky Sports F1.

"I was in the same position many years ago, and I want [Binotto] to stay focused and believe in himself.

"I don't want to get into the dynamic of the team, but for sure, I want to wish him the best for the future."

©Ferrari

The Scuderia is now in search of a new team principal, but Domenicali – who spearheaded Ferrari's efforts during six years and who was the last team boss to oversee a championship winning campaign for the House of Maranello – hopes his former outfit will hold steady and continue its upward progress.

"I really hope that Ferrari will find the right solution to stay on-track and focus, as they [have done] a big recovery from where they were two years ago.

"We need Ferrari to be competitive, to have a good, strong team with strong drivers to fight against the others.

"I am sure there will be more teams fighting for first and other positions [in 2023] – that is the dream."

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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.