Italian-Canadian executive and Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has called for “an immediate response” from the Maranello team after the 2017 British Grand Prix. In a speech to Ferrari staff, the Fiat Chrysler and Ferrari CEO was responding to the perception that rivals Mercedes have now clearly raced ahead in the battle for the 2017 Formula One title:
“I know you are the same team from Monte Carlo and the start of the season. We cannot mourn this negative result but instead I expect an immediate reaction. We have always known our opponent was very strong and dominant for years. But I am convinced we will get back where we were.” – Sergio Marchionne said, as reported by the Italian media on Wednesday.
However, former Renault Formula One managing director and Italian businessman Flavio Briatore is not convinced that Scuderia Ferrari can fight back and beat Mercedes in the second part of the Formula 1 season, despite the fact that the Maranello team had a positive start to the championship: “I say it with regret, but Ferrari maybe would have had a better chance if they had better exploited the problems of Mercedes from the first part of the season. Mercedes had its difficulties but has now reset.” – Flavio Briatore said, as reported by Italian national sports newspaper based in Rome Corriere dello Sport.
Finally, Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene did not want to respond to Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda’s claim the Italian team caused its tyre problems at the Silverstone track due to being too aggressive on strategy: “Let Niki talk.” – Scuderia Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene replied.
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