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'Climate of terror' instilled at Ferrari

According to former Ferrari man Luca Baldisserri, who was once Michael Schumacher's race engineer, a climate of terror as been instilled at the Scuderia by current bosses Sergio Marchionne and Maurizio Arrivabene.

Speaking to Italy's Corriere dello Sport, Baldissierri believes the Ferrari headmen lack true racing culture, and that an authoritarian attitude has infused a sense of fear within the troops.

"Unfortunately, neither Marchionne nor Arrivabene have experience of racing," explained Baldisseri.

"Today, the Scuderia is no longer a team, but a group of frightened people. In this climate of terror, the boys do not innovate, do not take any decisions for fear of being expelled in disgrace."

Baldisserri considers the departure over the summer of technical director James Allison as a great loss for Ferrari, believing that successor Mattia Binotto does not have the proper expertise and experience to head the Scuderia's design department.

"Mattia knows how to motivate people, he has great experience but he is not a technical director.

"He knows he cannot design a car or have deep knowledge of the chassis, both aerodynamic and mechanical. I think he would be better as a team principal."

The Italian, who managed Ferrari's young driver academy and now oversees the career of Mick Schumacher, says that stability and a coherent group are likely the key to bringing the red squad back into the winner's circle.

"They need to achieve stability and an efficient organisation, with good ideas and drivers who do not make mistakes.

"Raikkonen is better than in 2015, but Vettel is much worse. He was also caught in the exaltation of last year, but the problem is not them.

"The money is there, but you win with stability - those who are there should not be rushed. I understand that Marchionne wants to win right away, but it doesn't work like that in Formula 1."

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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.