Former Ferrari engineer speaks out against team

  • Published on 12 Oct 2016 10:00
  • comments 0
  • By: Dominik Wilde

Former Ferrari strategist and engineer Luca Baldisserri has said that the current bosses at Ferrari have cultivated a "climate of terror".

The Italian team aimed to fight for the title this year, but has instead slipped down to third in the standings behind Red Bull and champions Mercedes.

While their on track performances have been lacking in 2016, Baldisserri thinks that the team's problems are cultural.

"Unfortunately neither Marchionne nor Arrivabene have experience of racing," he told the specialist Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. "Today, they are no longer a team, but a group of frightened people. In this climate of terror, the boys do not innovate, do not make decisions for fear of being expelled in disgrace."

Baldisserri himself was ousted the race team some years ago and put in charge of Ferrari's Driver Academy, but he now works for single seater powerhouse Prema and has helped guide the careers of Lance Stroll and Mick Schumacher.

The 53-year-old Italian spoke of other high profile names who have left the Prancing Horse, including James Allison who he described as "a great loss". He was replaced by Mattia Binotto.

"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," Baldisserri said. "I think he would be better as a team principal."

When asked about Ferrari's chances of winning again soon, Baldisserri said: "When they are able to achieve stability and an efficient organisation, with good ideas and drivers who do not make mistakes."

"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 One," he added.

As for the drivers, he continued: "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.

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