Is a power struggle brewing at Ferrari?

Mattia Binotto-Ferrari
© XPB 

Reports from Italy are suggesting that tensions are ramping up at Ferrari as internal strife takes hold among the with the Italian outfit's top brass.

A power struggle at the House of Maranello has apparently developed between Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene and tech chief Mattia Binotto.

According to Italian media , the first sign of Binotto's push for power came some weeks ago, when Ferrari engine chief Lorenzo Sassi was demoted to the road car division. 

Germany's Bild is reporting that Arrivabene has now moved to involve Ferrari sponsor Philip Morris - also his former employer - in the dispute. 

A creative atmosphere fostered under Binotto in the past year has led to several technical innovations, such as the oil-for-fuel ploy which the FIA frowned upon and has subsequently outlawed, or Ferrari's alleged flexible floor.

"I think the oil burning is not something directly related to Ferrari," said Binotto.

"And the floor, honestly, I don't think there is any impact on our performance."

Regardless of the relationship between Binotto and Arrivabene, there is no disputing  the former's successful role in Ferrari's performance this season, as last Sunday's Hungarian GP demonstrated.

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