2
Sergio Marchionne is refusing to predict a Ferrari fight for the title in 2017.
Prior to this season, the Ferrari president boldly predicted his team would have a chance at winning the championship.
However, Ferrari in fact slipped behind Red Bull to third in the standings, enduring their second winless campaign in three years.
"Do not expect proclamations," Marchionne said at Ferrari's Christmas media lunch on Monday.
"Last time I was careless but now I only ask for us to do better than 2016, which does not seem difficult."
Speaking of the team's two world champion drivers, Marchionne sounded uncertain when discussing the immediate futures of both Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel beyond their current contracts.
"I saw Raikkonen at his best ever, but I don't know if he wants to go beyond 2017," said Marchionne.
"I have not talked about extending the contract with Vettel because it's too early; first he must be comfortable with the car next year," he added.
"Vettel and Mercedes? (Niki) Lauda talks to everyone but in 2017, Seb is with us. I have to give stability to the team but we have to give those who drive for us a great car.
"We'll keep an eye on availability of other drivers from 2018," said Marchionne. "With Seb we have to give him a winning car, otherwise it's useless to discuss the future. He wants to win with us, we know that.
"In return he has to drive with confidence, with more calm and less agitation. Thinking of winning on the track, not engaging in personal battles."
Marchionne also played down reports that the team have made a move for Mercedes technical chief Paddy Lowe.
"We were not trying to get him," he said. "There were proposals, but they were not part of our technical development plans. We have an established team and will not change it.
"If we continue to not win, the fault will be mine," said Marchionne.
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
280,757 comments on Aston Martin
57 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Sebastian Vettel
490,162 comments on Ferrari 279 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Ferrari
Replies (2)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Easy, they will SUCK as usual, that's how the Prancing-Knee-Jerk-Reaction-Horse rolls.
I accept only cheque.
ianf1
Posts: 185
Strange, I thought it was a requirement for Ferrari to say they are going to win the championship before the start of the season?