Mattiacci replaced by Arrivabene as Ferrari team principal

Ferrari have announced the appointment of Maurizio Arrivabene as their new Formula One team principal, replacing Marco Mattiacci who took over from Stefano Domenicali in April.

Arrivabene comes to Ferrari from tobacco giants and team sponsors Philip Morris, which he joined in 1997, becoming Vice President Consumer Channel Strategy and Event Marketing in 2011. Throughout this time the Italian has been closely involved in the company’s partnership with Maranello and he has also represented all Formula One sponsors on the F1 Commission since 2010.

“We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment in time for the Scuderia and for Formula One, we need a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport,” commented Ferrari Chairman Sergio 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.”

News of Arrivabene’s appointment comes less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the 2014 season, which saw Ferrari finish a disappointing fourth in the constructors’ championship, having failed to win a race for the first time since 1993.

“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” concluded Mr Marchionne.