Stefano Domenicali has resigned as team principal of Ferrari, it has been confirmed, after a disappointing start to the 2014 season.
He has stepped down with immediate effect and will be replaced by Marco Mattiacci, the president and CEO of Ferrari North America.
Mattiacci's first race in charge of the 16-time constructors' champions will be this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. He previously worked for Jaguar before moving to Ferrari in 1999.
Domenicali joined the team immediately after graduating from Bologna University in 1991, where he swiftly rose through the ranks. The 48-year-old was appointed team principal in 2008.
Under his leadership, the iconic outfit only picked up one constructors' title (in 2008) and never had a driver crowned world champion, despite coming close on several occasions.
Ferrari has suffered its worst start to the season since 2009 and currently sits fifth in the teams' standings after three races. Much of the blame has been put on Domenicali.
Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen finished the last round in Bahrain just inside the top 10 after struggling throughout the weekend. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo was at the race but left before the chequered flag.
Domenicali said in a statement: "There are certain moments in the professional life of each of us where it takes courage to make tough decisions. It’s time to implement a major change.
"Again, I take responsibility – as I always have – for the situation we are experiencing. [Leaving] is a choice taken with the desire to do something to give a jolt to our environment and for the sake of this group, which are closely linked.
"I sincerely thank all the men and women of the team, the drivers and partners for the wonderful relationship had through the years."
Di Montezemolo said: "I thank Stefano Domenicali not only for his ongoing contribution and commitment, but for the great sense of responsibility that has demonstrated today by putting the interests of Ferrari ahead of his own."
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| © Ferrari |
Mattiacci's first race in charge of the 16-time constructors' champions will be this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. He previously worked for Jaguar before moving to Ferrari in 1999.
Domenicali joined the team immediately after graduating from Bologna University in 1991, where he swiftly rose through the ranks. The 48-year-old was appointed team principal in 2008.
Under his leadership, the iconic outfit only picked up one constructors' title (in 2008) and never had a driver crowned world champion, despite coming close on several occasions.
Ferrari has suffered its worst start to the season since 2009 and currently sits fifth in the teams' standings after three races. Much of the blame has been put on Domenicali.
Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen finished the last round in Bahrain just inside the top 10 after struggling throughout the weekend. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo was at the race but left before the chequered flag.
Domenicali said in a statement: "There are certain moments in the professional life of each of us where it takes courage to make tough decisions. It’s time to implement a major change.
"Again, I take responsibility – as I always have – for the situation we are experiencing. [Leaving] is a choice taken with the desire to do something to give a jolt to our environment and for the sake of this group, which are closely linked.
"I sincerely thank all the men and women of the team, the drivers and partners for the wonderful relationship had through the years."
Di Montezemolo said: "I thank Stefano Domenicali not only for his ongoing contribution and commitment, but for the great sense of responsibility that has demonstrated today by putting the interests of Ferrari ahead of his own."
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