We Must Start Over with Ferrari: Mercedes CEO

Long-time Mercedes CEO, Dieter Zetsche has stated that his relationship with deceased ex-Ferrari boss, Sergio Marchionne, was long and fruitful. But this could also be the reason why his relationship with the new Ferrari boss may not work out as well as the earlier one.

“I have always worked together well with Sergio, even throughout our battles,” Zetsche told Ansa news agency. “I don’t know what will happen now because we must start over. “

“I have no doubt that I will continue to have good relations as I did with Sergio. It is clear, however, that we had reached certain fixed points on which we could work together. This will no longer be possible.”

“The future is a big question mark.”

Italian media agency, La Gazzetta dello Sport, reported that Ferrari team boss, Maurizio Arrivabene met with the new honchos, John Elkann and Louis Camilleri; which also included Ferrari drivers, Vettel and Raikkonen, on conference calls.

The news of Marchionne’s death was very sudden and Ferrari can be forgiven for being in an emotional state after that. But the team was clear about what they had in mind.

“Winning the world championship is Ferrari’s only goal,” said Elkann.

One of the beneficiaries of the leadership change at the Scuderia could be their former driver, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard is reportedly lining up a move to his former team, in the hopes of having one last hurrah before retiring.

But his path to the second seat will not be easy. Sauber youngster, Charles Leclerc has been hugely impressive in his debut season for them, with regular appearances in Q3 and outperforming his much more experienced teammate, Marcus Ericsson.

However, the Monegasque will not be the only hurdle he will have to overcome. Vettel’s current teammate, Raikkonen could yet be in contention for a new deal with them, if they decide they don’t want too many changes to happen at the same time.