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Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, Ferrari is making its mark in Formula 1, seeking to reorganize and climb back to the top of the sport after recent difficulties. We can only guess what Maurizio Arrivabene has put on his Christmas wish list.
Maurizio Arrivabene's first week as Ferrari's sporting director resembles a wish list for renewal. The new director has already hinted at what he believes are the ingredients needed to bring the Scuderia back into contention. At the top of his mental list is a top-level driver, a multiple world champion, preferably German, to revive the glory of the Schumacher era. The idea is not new; his predecessor, Marco Mattiacci, had already set the tone by targeting this specific profile. Next comes the powertrain. Arrivabene knows that without a more powerful and reliable engine, Ferrari cannot hope to compete with Mercedes. While a breakthrough in 2015 seems unrealistic, the hope is that a serious step forward can be made by 2016.
The list of test and reserve drivers is also being revised. Arrivabene has already filled the gaps left by Sauber and Toro Rosso by signing Esteban Gutiérrez and Jean-Eric Vergne, but he has made it clear that he does not want any Spaniards on the team.
A new look for the 2015 car is another priority. Leaked sketches suggest that the iconic “duckbill” nose will disappear, replaced by a sleeker front end that could make rivals look outdated. In terms of performance, Arrivabene is realistic but optimistic: a few podium finishes and, with a bit of luck, an opportunistic victory towards the end of the season could lay the foundations for a stronger 2016 campaign.
Finally, there is a more personal desire: the chance to sit alongside the late Michael Schumacher and the late Jules Bianchi, both of whom are still deeply missed within the Ferrari family. All these ambitions will be put to the test as the 2015 Formula 1 calendar unfolds. The internal restructuring of the team will require patience, and the competition will be fierce. McLaren-Honda is back with Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, Mercedes continues to dominate with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and Red Bull is banking on the enthusiasm of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat. The road to the top will be anything but easy for Ferrari, but Arrivabene's program shows that the Scuderia is already preparing its comeback.
