Arrivabene replaces Mattiacci as Ferrari’s team principal
Maranello, Italy (SportsNetwork.com) – Ferrari announced on Monday that Maurizio Arrivabene is replacing Marco Mattiacci as team principal of its Formula One team.
Arrivabene comes to Ferrari from Philip Morris, which he joined in 1997 after a 20-year career in marketing and promotions in Italy and abroad. He was appointed Vice President of Marlboro Global Communication and Promotions for Philip Morris International in 2007 and then promoted to Vice President of Consumer Channel Strategy and Event Marketing in 2011. Arrivabene has been closely involved in the company’s partnership with Ferrari. He has also represented all Formula One sponsors on the F1 Commission since 2010.
In addition to his team principal role, Arrivabene will serve as Managing Director of Gestione Sportiva (Scuderia Ferrari), the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile company.
“We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment in time for the Scuderia and for Formula 1, we need a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport,” Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne said in a statement. “Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge.
“He has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing. He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on revitalization of Formula One. His managerial experience on a highly complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance, and will help him manage and motivate the team. I am delighted to have been able to secure his leadership for our racing activities.
There have been many changes at Ferrari this year. In April, Stefano Domenicali stepped down as team principal, with Mattiacci replacing him. Then in September, Luca di Montezemolo resigned as Ferrari chairman, as Marchionne took over that position.
Last week, Ferrari revealed that four-time and outgoing F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel will join the Italian team for the 2015 season, replacing Fernando Alonso, who had been with the organization since the start of the 2010 season. Kimi Raikkonen will remain with Ferrari next season.
Mattiacci had previously served as President and CEO of Ferrari North America.
“We would also like to thank Marco Mattiacci for his service to Ferrari in the last 15 years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors, Marchionne added in his statement.
Ferrari ended the 2014 F1 season fourth in the constructors’ championship and failed to win a race this year. It was the first time the team was winless in a season since 1993. Ferrari’s last grand prix victory occurred in May 2013, with Alonso winning the Spanish Grand Prix.
Alonso concluded his last season with Ferrari sixth in the drivers’ championship standings, and Raikkonen, in his first season back with the team, placed 12th.
Mercedes captured this year’s F1 constructors’ title, and Lewis Hamilton won Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to claim his second world championship. Hamilton finished 67 points ahead of his Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg.
Categorized in: FIA