- Ferrari
Ferrari denies it is threatening to quit F1
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes the FIA has lost sight of what Formula One is about, but the team has denied it might consider leaving the sport as a result.
In an interview with the Wall Street Jorunal, Montezemolo criticised the new regulations, which put an emphasis on efficiency, saying they do not offer what people want.
"Formula One isn't working," he said. "It's declining because the FIA have forgotten that people watch the racing for the excitement. Nobody watches racing for the efficiency, come on.
"People watch racing to be entertained. No one wants to watch a driver save gas or tires. They want to see them push from here to there. It's sport, yes, but also a show."
The comments come after speculation Ferrari might return to Le Mans, but Montezemolo said "we cannot do sports-car racing and Formula One. It's not possible."
Ferrari later denied that Montezemolo's comments were a veiled threat that it might leave F1.
"Some elements of the media have suggested Ferrari would quit Formula One to concentrate on the Le Mans 24 Hours and Endurance racing," a statement read. "This is a bit of a stretch based on President Luca di Montezemolo reiterating that Formula One needs to evolve and renew itself, while also admitting that there is a unique attraction to the 24 Hour race. To say that after 2020, Ferrari could quit Formula One to concentrate on Le Mans and the Endurance championship takes his words to extremes. Plus of course, there's nothing to stop Ferrari upping the ante and competing in both disciplines. So it's just pure speculation."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
