Ferrari F1 team saddened to lose level of support from former CEO Camilleri
The Ferrari Formula 1 team says it's saddened to have lost the level of support it got from former company CEO Louis Camilleri, but isn't worried about any short-term impact
Camilleri made a shock announcement on Thursday that he was taking early retirement with immediate effect, after battling with coronavirus over recent weeks.
The sudden decision means that Ferrari chairman John Elkann has temporarily taken over Camilleri's responsibilities while a full-time successor is sought.
Camilleri had been a big fan of the F1 team and fully supported the long-term plan that has been put in place by team principal Mattia Binotto to get the team back to the front of the grid.
Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies said Camilleri's decision had come out of the blue, and was far from ideal.
"It was a surprise for all of us, when we received the note from our chairman," he said.
"None of us were aware - it's the way it goes for these kind of situations.
"I think you have seen what our chairman communicated in terms of the reasoning.
"It's understandable as he apparently has been very badly hit with COVID, and even though it was not life threatening, it's been very tough.
"And I'm sure it's not the only reason. But certainly it's something that I guess at a stage where he is in, with his own past and with his achievements, it's probably something that makes you think your priorities differently.
"So it's a shame, because the level of support we got from Louis, from Piero Ferrari, from our chairman John, through Mattia, has been incredible in these two years, especially in this year of crisis time."
Mekies said that Elkann taking on the extra role for now was positive, as it ensured some stability.
"The good news for us is that our chairman is stepping in for the interim role, and therefore it could not be better to give us stability and the right continuity in terms of support," he added.
Ferrari is without Binotto in Abu Dhabi this weekend, after he was advised to travel home on medical grounds after falling unwell in Bahrain.
Mekies said he was now much better and would be assisting this weekend from Maranello.
"He was not in a great shape when we were together on Monday and Tuesday in Bahrain so the doctors asked him to go back to Italy, to get the right rest and cure," admitted Mekies.
"It was nothing to do with COVID. He's better.
"We spoke probably 10 times today, so he's very active. But he's recovering good now.
"So I'm sure he will be with us all weekend remotely, as he has been when not being physically at the track.
"[I'm sure] that everything will be back to normal very shortly."
Red Bull to carry over 60% of current F1 car into 2021 - Horner
F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Verstappen leads Albon in final practice
Why Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar can help its F1 team
On Tuesday, Red Bull laid out its plans to develop and build a new hypercar - the RB17 - penned by Adrian Newey. As the project itself sates Newey as a creative outlet, it also offers Red Bull's Formula 1 team a number of new and exciting avenues to pursue
What to expect from Mercedes as F1 returns to Silverstone
OPINION: The British Grand Prix is a home event for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with their Mercedes team based just a few miles away too. But there’s another reason why the Silver Arrows squad is eager to arrive at Silverstone this weekend, which may help it fix its remaining problems with its 2022 Formula 1 challenger
The “solemn promise” that cost quiet hero Brooks an F1 title
After two terrifying crashes, one of the best British racers of the 1950s retired before his career peaked. But that’s why GP Racing’s MAURICE HAMILTON was able to speak to Tony Brooks in 2014. Like his friend Stirling Moss, Brooks was regarded as one of the best drivers never to have won the world championship. Here, as our tribute to Brooks who died last month, is that interview in full
Inside the Faenza facility where AlphaTauri’s F1 pragmatic vision is realised
AlphaTauri’s mission in F1 is to sell clothes and train young drivers rather than win the championship – but you still need a cutting-edge factory to do that. Team boss Franz Tost takes GP Racing’s OLEG KARPOV on a guided tour of a facility that’s continuing to grow
Connecting two of Ferrari's favourite F1 sons
Gilles Villeneuve's exploits behind the wheel of a Ferrari made him a legend to the tifosi, even 40 years after his death. The team's current Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc enjoys a similar status, and recently got behind the wheel of a very special car from the French-Canadian’s career
How a 30cm metal wire triggered open warfare in the F1 paddock
Porpoising has become the key talking point during the 2022 Formula 1 season, as teams battle to come to terms with it. An FIA technical directive ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix and a second stay appearing on the Mercedes cars only served to create a bigger debate and raise tensions further
Does Verstappen have any weaknesses left?
Having extended his Formula 1 points lead with victory in Canada, Max Verstappen has raised his game further following his 2021 title triumph. Even on the days where Red Bull appears to be second best to Ferrari, Verstappen is getting the most out of the car in each race. So, does he have any weaknesses that his title rivals can exploit?
How F1's future fuels can shape the automotive sector
In 2026, Formula 1 plans to make the switch to a fully sustainable fuel, as the greater automotive world considers its own alternative propulsion methods. Biogasoline and e-fuels both have merit as 'drop-in' fuels but, equally, both have their shortcomings...