Ferrari rules out interest in Formula 1’s commercial rights
President Sergio Marchionne makes clear Ferrari will not pursue a stake in F1’s commercial rights, focusing instead on technical performance and the 2016 title challenge.
Ferrari will not seek to buy into Formula 1’s commercial rights, president Sergio Marchionne confirmed, distancing the Italian marque from speculation about a possible move for a share in the sport’s lucrative business arm as CVC Capital Partners considered its exit.
Rumours over the future of Formula 1’s commercial rights intensified as CVC, the sport’s controlling shareholder at the time, weighed up selling its stake. Bernie Ecclestone, then F1’s chief executive, indicated a sale could come within months. With Ferrari’s historic status and global brand, the team was repeatedly linked to a possible bid.
Marchionne dismissed the idea outright. “The answer is simple: we do not think about it,” he said. “It is an issue that concerns FOM and is their problem alone. There are huge challenges that are faced but I do not think Ferrari is interested in getting involved with them.”
Focus remains on racing and technical progress
Marchionne made clear Ferrari’s priority was returning to championship contention after a title drought stretching back to Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 success. At the close of the 2015 season, Ferrari had secured second in the constructors’ standings behind Mercedes, but Marchionne said the team’s efforts were concentrated on a full title challenge for 2016.
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari’s lead driver, echoed this focus, pointing to the team’s progress over the season. He noted that the gap to Mercedes had shrunk from more than a second to around half a second or less, crediting ongoing development despite setbacks such as a poor result in Mexico.
Ferrari’s stance on F1’s commercial direction
Ferrari’s leadership has consistently argued that Formula 1’s commercial rights holders must invest in the sport and preserve its technical and sporting DNA. Former team principal Stefano Domenicali and ex-president Luca di Montezemolo both criticised CVC for extracting profits without reinvesting, and warned that Ferrari’s long-term interest depended on stability, development and a fair share of revenues for teams.
Marchionne later expressed reservations about Liberty Media’s approach after it acquired F1’s commercial rights, objecting to proposals for budget caps and a shift towards entertainment-led changes. He insisted Ferrari wanted Formula 1 to remain a technical competition, not diluted by commercial or show-business priorities.
- Ferrari has repeatedly threatened to leave F1 if the rules undermine its technical identity
- The team has called for greater investment from commercial rights holders to ensure F1’s future
- Ferrari has rejected involvement in Formula E, citing concerns about the technology
What this means for F1’s future ownership
With Ferrari stepping away from any bid for F1’s commercial rights, the path was left clear for outside investors. The team’s focus on racing, technical development and influence over the sport’s direction has remained consistent, but ownership of the business side has stayed separate. The debate over how much commercial interests should shape Formula 1 continues, but Ferrari’s stance is clear: its priority is on-track performance and the integrity of the sport.
