Wolff: Arrivabene will keep Ferrari fight going

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that Maurizio Arrivabene will be instrumental in keeping Ferrari's fight for the championship going after the tragic passing of Ferrari chief Sergio Marchionne who had a huge role in reviving Ferrari's form in Formula One.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wolff said that Marchionne was an incredibly important figure for Ferrari, having led the team out of a winless period back into the title picture against the Silver Arrows.

”Marchionne gave a lot to Maranello. His death is a big loss. He has the most powerful voice in meetings, in the strategy group and in negotiations. It is impossible to replace him.”

With John Elkann coming in to replace Marchionne, he has huge shoes to fill. Wolff believes that Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene will be key in the coming months to ensure that Ferrari's title aspirations do not dissipate despite the circumstances surrounding the team.

“Maurizio and Mattia (Binotto) and the whole group want to make sure that the Formula 1 team is guaranteed to continue as in the past.

“Maurizio was in most of the talks and represents the team in the strategy group, therefore, he will be up to speed quickly. But of course, there was only one Sergio Marchionne.

“Maurizio will provide the new man with a lot of knowledge and information, so I think he will catch up very quickly,”