Ferrari president plays down management 'disagreement' rumours

Ferrari president John Elkann has denied that Ferrari is facing a "rupture" and further management changes following Maurizio Arrivabene's departure as its team principal. The Scuderia outfit confirmed last week that Mattia Binotto had replaced the Italian after two disappointing years of results.

However Binotto's appointment sparked talk that Ferrari could continue to reshuffle its senior structure, with former team boss Stefano Domenicali rumoured to be in talks over a potential return. Ferrari's new CEO Louis Camilleri's position also came into question.

But Elkmann has moved to squash the rumours, stating that Binotto's placement was not a panic appointment: "I read with surprise words and opinions attributed to me about Ferrari, but that have never been said and do not reflect my thoughts," Elkann wrote in an open letter to fans.

"I feel obliged to clarify some points, for the benefit of readers and in respect of the truth. The appointment of Mattia Binotto to team principal of Scuderia Ferrari does not represent 'a turnaround' in management and does not arise from alleged disagreements within the team.

"On the contrary, it was a choice decided by the company in agreement with Maurizio Arrivabene, who has worked tirelessly in the four years of work in that position to turn the Scuderia back to the levels of competitiveness it deserves.

"The work of Mattia, which has already begun in anticipation of the season that is about to start, rests its foundation precisely on what has been done in recent years. It is a line of continuity that aims at evolution, certainly not a 'rupture' compared to the past."

Elkmann added that Camilleri, who took over the role of CEO following the death of Sergio Marchionne last year, is not in any danger of losing his role, and stated that no more major structural changes will be made prior to the 2019 season.

"I reject any rumour or imagination that suggests returning to the past and further changes in our structure," he said. "My commitment to ensure stability and concentration to Ferrari is total, as is that of the CEO Louis Camilleri. Together, and with the contribution of all the women and men of Ferrari, we will reach the goals that we presented publicly a few months ago from Maranello."