Elkann: Binotto promoted in accordance with Arrivabene

Gazzetta dello Sport journos broke the story of unrest within the team, reporting first and almost single-handedly about the feud between Binotto and Arrivabene which the latter dubbed "fake news" which as it turns out wasn't.

The 'civil war' at Maranello was well documented, ultimately a choice had to be made between Arrivabene or Binotto as the pair were no longer on speaking terms, the latter got the nod.

However, Elkann took offence by the way the saga was reported by Gazzetta and penned a letter to editors: "I have read with surprise words and opinions that are attributed to me but which I have never uttered and do not represent my opinion. So I would like to clarify a few points."

"The appointment of Mattia Binotto to the post of team boss of Scuderia Ferrari does not correspond to any change or alleged internal disagreements."

"On the contrary, this choice was made in accordance with Maurizio Arrivabene, who has been working incessantly for four years to bring Ferrari back to the level where the racing team belongs."

"Mattia's work is built on a foundation which has been set in recent years, it springs from a continuity, an evolution, so there can be no talk of a break with the past."

"In general, I reject talk or fantasies that indicate a return to the past or further changes in our structure. I want to promote stability and focus, which is also the wish of Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri."

"Together, we will achieve our goals and I guarantee our customers and fans that we will do everything we can," added Elkann all but confirming the changes were all part of the master-plan for the Scuderia laid out by the late Sergio Marchionne before he passed.

However the suggestion that Arrivabene was aware, and supported, his own demise is questionable, as the former team principal did not act as one about to step down from his post, quite the opposite in fact.

At the Detroit Auto Show earlier this week, Elkann is quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport saying: "There was a need to strengthen our organizational structure with a person whose technical competence is unquestionable."

"We are inspired by team spirit and we want to build a future that will reach the heights of our previous triumphs. We want to win the World Championship again as soon as possible, it has eluded us for far too long."

Regarding talk of Mick Schumacher joining the team, Elkann revealed nothing, "I cannot anticipate decisions Ferrari will make in the coming months. We will talk about this subject at the appropriate time."

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/12/11/italian-media-call-on-elkann-to-sort-out-ferrari-feud/