Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne has suggested the atmosphere inside the Maranello factory is “too relaxed” as they continue work on the 2018 car, known internally as the 662.
The Scuderia is hoping to maintain the renaissance they enjoyed last season, using the new design rules to become the main threat to Mercedes’ domination and scoring five wins thanks to Sebastian Vettel.
With the world champions unlikely to stand still and a growing threat from Red Bull and even McLaren, the Italian team will also have to make good gains in development both with the engine and chassis but the chairman does seem confident despite his slight concern of potential complacency.
“I was in Maranello for the last few days and the guys are busy but they seem too relaxed, I can only conclude that we have either made a real monster or garbage!” Marchionne smiled while talking at the Detroit motor show this week.
“We have done everything to have a super strong car but we will have to wait until February 22 when we reveal it,” the Italian-Canadian added.
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Within the team, Kimi Raikkonen’s new race engineer has been confirmed for 2018 after long-time partner Dave Greenwood left Ferrari to become part of Manor’s LMP1 project in the WEC. Now Carlo Santi will be the main in the ear of the Finn on the radio in a promotion.
Current third driver Antonio Giovinazzi is also unlikely to be racing in any other category full-time for the second straight year, despite taking part in the Formula E test following last Saturday’s Marrakesh ePrix.
“We don’t know yet. We need to see how it is with Ferrari,” he told Crash.net considering his 2018 options. “But for now I’m focused just on the job with Ferrari and then we’ll see.”
The Italian will also be reserve driver at Sauber, as part of the closer relationship between the two teams.
