Marco Mattiacci has been replaced as Team Principal of the Scuderia Ferrari team after just eight months in the job, with Maurizio Arrivabene taking on the role with immediate effect.
Mattiacci only took over the job mid-season from Stefano Domenicali, but new Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne has insisted on the change, with senior Philip Morris executive and F1 commission member Arrivabene coming in.
Arrivabene joined Philip Morris back in 1997 and was appointed Vice President of Marlboro Global Communication & Promotions for Philip Morris International in 2007, and then in 2011, as Vice President Consumer Channel Strategy and Event Marketing. Throughout his time with Philip Morris, Arrivabene has been closely involved in the partnership with the Maranello team.
“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,” said Marchionne. “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 revitalisation 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.”
Marchionne praised the work that Mattiacci did for the team, with the Italian leaving the Ferrari company after 15-years.
“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 endeavours,” added Marchionne.
Arrivabene’s first job will be to oversee the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test, where Raffaele Marciello and Kimi Raikkonen will test for the team on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
