And it’s three! Ferrari threatens to leave F1 in 2010

Ferrari has confirmed that it will not participate in next year’s world championship unless the budget cap of 40 million Pounds is modified.

Although the team had expressed reservations about this new regulation point, it had not yet made any official statements. As of this afternoon, that has changed, and the team revealed its intentions in a statement released after a board meeting in Maranello.

« The same rules for all teams, regulatory stability, the continuity of FOTA’s work, and gradually reducing costs are priorities for the future. »

« If these essential principles are not respected and if the regulations adopted for 2010 do not change, Ferrari does not intend to place its cars on the starting grids of the next Formula 1 World Championship. »

Registrations for the year 2010 must be completed before May 29. Toyota and Red Bull have already announced their intention not to compete next year if the rules remain unchanged.

It is likely that other manufacturers will join the movement to boycott this deadline.

As with the other teams, the main concern for Ferrari is the potential for a two-speed F1. Some teams will adopt this budget cap next year, while others will freely choose their finances.

Even though Ferrari is totally opposed to this system in F1, the Scuderia is also concerned about the governance of the sport.

In addition to being unhappy with the way the rules were pushed back last year, Ferrari believes there was not enough consultation with the teams.

« The Council also expressed its disappointment with the methods adopted by the FIA in decision-making and its refusal of a unanimous agreement between the manufacturers and the teams, » adds the statement.

In light of the evolving situation regarding next year, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has stated that he is considering engaging in other team racing activities.

Ferrari hopes that its many fans around the world understand this difficult decision. It is for this reason that Scuderia will always seek to promote its sporting and technical values. The chairman of the board has been tasked with evaluating the most appropriate means and methods to ensure this is the case.

Despite Ferrari’s position, the FIA stated earlier today that it is optimistic a solution will be found quickly. Di Montezemolo and Mosley are scheduled to meet in the coming days to discuss the situation.