Maurizio Arrivabene responds to Damon Hill’s claim that Ferrari and Mercedes should leave F1. Maurizio also made a striking comparison to football.

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill has launched a scathing attack on the two leading constructors, Mercedes and Scuderia Ferrari, stating his belief that ‘the sooner the two leave, the better’, and also adding that their inteference is ‘ruining the sport’. In the past year the Maranello team has been vocal regarding their skepticism for the future of the sport under new owners Liberty Media, while Mercedes have also been in opposition to a number of the sweeping changes that have been implemented and are in the pipeline.

Liberty Media appear desperate to close the gap between the front runners and the rest of the grid, while Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes would prefer the status quo to be retained, despite many fans complaining about a lack of competitiveness and the huge gap to the other teams. The debate around prize money split and voting on regulatory issues is up for discussion once again, and the two giants have issued threats about throwing support around a breakaway version of Formula One. And Damon Hill, who is regularly outspoken, took to Twitter, launches harsh accusations against the two teams: “The sooner Mercedes AMGF1 and Scuderia Ferrari breakaway the better as far as I’m concerned. These massive industrial complexes are ruining the sport. They don’t want to play. They want it all, and all the time. The FIA have lost grip of Formula 1.” – he posted.

Mercedes attempted a direct response, alluding to Hill’s past as a dominant force with Williams, perhaps in jest. But this message only riled the former F1 driver, who had the last word on the matter. However, it was now Maurizio Arrivabene who addressed the issue, explaining that the difference between the top two teams and the rest of the grid is not to be the concern of Mercedes or Ferrari. The Italian side’s team principal also made a striking comparison to football: “You cannot just ask of the top-teams to drive or develop less fast just because others are not able to keep up” – Maurizio Arrivabene correctly pointed out, as reported by Motorsporttotal.com – “Exactly like you cannot ask Cristiano Ronaldo to stop scoring goals just because otherwise Real Madrid becomes too strong.” – the Scuderia Ferrari team principal concluded.