Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne threatened to exit Formula 1 racing if the conflict of interest originates after new regulations by F1 owners Liberty Media.
The chief expressed his reservation by remarks on the new engine design to be implemented from 2021,
Marchionne asserted that F1 had been “part of our DNA since the day we were born”.
But he exclaimed, “If we change the sandbox to the point it becomes unrecognisable, I don’t want to play any more.”
Mercedes and Renault also shared the same concerns as that of Ferrari. The new design of regulations for engine design were shared by the Formula 1 Group and FIA on Tuesday.
A major meeting is to be held on 7 November among FIA, F1 and six leading teams regarding new regulations.
A new detailed outline is expected by the Liberty Media, including budget constraints,
Marchionne said: “Liberty has got a couple of good intentions in all of this, one of which is to reduce the cost of execution for the team, which I think is good.
“There are a couple of things we don’t necessarily agree with, one of which is the fact that somehow powertrain uniqueness is not going to be one of the drivers of distinctiveness of the participants’ line-up. I would not countenance this going forward.
“The fact we now appear to be at odds in terms of the strategic development of this thing, and we see the sport in 2021 taking on a different air, is going to force some decisions on the part of Ferrari.
“I understand Liberty may have taken these into account, but it needs to be absolutely clear that unless we find a set of circumstances, the results of which are beneficial to the maintenance of the brand, and the marketplace, and to the strengthening of the unique position for Ferrari, Ferrari will not play.”
The new rules will not defy the old engine specification but will require a ban on MGU-H which helps for the generation of about 60% of hybrid energy from turbo and standardization of few parts.
The new regulations, according to Mercedes and Renault, will lead to major re-development of engine which will require huge financial investment.
Ferrari is bound to F1 until 2020 but the new regulations might lead to its exit after it if they don’t reach an agreement.
