2007 was a year of major transition for the Ferrari Formula One team. Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher had finally retired, long-time Technical Director Ross Brawn was on a sabbatical and team boss Jean Todt was looking to relinquish his control of the team as well. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo promoted Todt to CEO of the entire Ferrari operation in 2006. Todt held extensive discussions with Brawn about taking over his job, but Brawn ultimately decided to move over to Honda taking the same job there. Todt also tried to get Schumacher to take on the new role but Michael decided he preferred not to be tied down in that way. After all those years of driving, the freedom was probably pretty appealing to him. Ultimately the job went to a veteran Ferrari administrator Sporting Director Stefano Domenicali.
[Source: AutoSport via
Winding Road]
