Ferrari call off Christmas lunch – report

Marchionne and Arrivabene at last year's Christmas lunch

(GMM) Ferrari may have cancelled its traditional F1 team Christmas lunch.

That is the claim of the well-connected Ferrari media insider Leo Turrini, citing the information of 'friends' from within the great Maranello team.

The decision was made because "there is nothing to celebrate", Turrini wrote on his Quotidiano blog.

However, he said team president Sergio Marchionne, who is currently "very present" at Maranello, could change his mind so that the mechanics and engineers can mark the festive period in another way.

"This small episode is perhaps an indicator of sentiment," said Turrini.

Ferrari began 2016 targeting the championship, but instead will even finish behind Red Bull in third place.

"Now let's focus on Abu Dhabi," said team boss Maurizio Arrivabene. "It's the last race of the season but, as we always say, we're not giving up until the end."