Ferrari just can't get comfortable with their lag in performance when it comes to Formula One. So, they've replaced their team principal for the second time this year, swapping Marco Mattiacci for Maurizio Arrivabene.
In less than a day after the final grand prix of the 2014 season Ferrari knew it was time for a change. This was the first time since 1993 that the Ferrari F1 team ended a season with zero victories.
Stefano Domenicali was replaced back in April with Marco Mattiacci, and Domenicali has since landed at Audi. Draw your own conclusions as to what that might mean.
Mattiacci failed to deliver for the rest of the season, so he's now being replaced with Phillip Morris vice president and Marlboro brand ambassador Maurizio Arrivabene.
While tobacco advertising has long been banned from Formula One, Arrivabene still maintained a close relationship with the team. Arrivabene has been the representative for F1's sponsors on the F1 commission since 2010.
Arrivabene is also no stranger to sports, having served on the board for Italian football team Juventus.
Of the swap, new Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne had this to say:
We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment in time for the Scuderia and for Formula 1, we need a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport.
Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge: he has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing. He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on revitalization of Formula 1.
His managerial experience on a highly complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance, and will help him manage and motivate the team. I am delighted to have been able to secure his leadership for our racing activities.
We would also like to thank Marco Mattiacci for his service to Ferrari in the last 15 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
There you have it: another reason to cough on your cereal this morning that has nothing to do with the changing weather outside. Ferrari's new team principal is a tobacco man.
Photo credit: AP Images (Arrivabene, pictured above)