Would Ferrari quit Formula One?

Ferrari are seen as a key part of Formula One, its past, its present and its future.

Many would argue that Formula One just wouldn't be Formula One without the Maranello team.

One of those people is Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo who speaking at Ferrari's World Finals event at Mugello this week said: 'Formula 1 is still our life, but without Ferrari there is no Formula 1, just as without Formula 1 Ferrari would be different,'

Many have questioned whether this statement was made as a threat to Formula One Management, with negotiations continuing regarding the latest Concorde Agreement, the Resource Restriction Agreement and the future of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA).

The politics in the background, away from the track is in itself an integral part of Formula One, just as Ferrari flexing their muscles in cases like this.

But would Ferrari actually leave the sport if it didn't get an agreement suitable to them?

'We can be very patient but there are precise conditions for us to continue with our work. We race not just for the publicity it brings us but above all to carry out advanced research aimed at all aspects of our road cars: engine, chassis, mechanical components, electronics, materials and aerodynamics, to such an extent that the technology transfer from track to road has grown exponentially over the past twenty years.' di Montezemolo added.

Just incase anyone was left uncertain with Ferrari's position he concluded: 'If Formula 1 still wants Ferrari it must change and go back to being at the cutting edge of research, while always keeping an eye on costs.

'We are not in Formula 1 as sponsors, we are constructors.'

His final comments in particular seemed to leave no question marks regarding Ferrari's current position in Formula One.

The sport must change if it wants Ferrari to know they are wanted and for them to remain competiting.

But while the message from Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo was very clear, the Ferrari's Formula One website has tried to play down the remarks.

Speaking through their 'Horse Whisperer' column a statement read: 'Montezemolo's observations were seen by some as a sort of ultimatum or even a threat to leave Formula 1, but the Whisperer can assure you that it was nothing of the kind,'