Raffaele Marciello has claimed he was effectively forced out of Ferrari by team boss Maurizio Arrivabene.

The Italian, a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and 2013 European F3 Champion, made his debut with the Maranello outfit when he participated in the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test in November 2014.

He was subsequently signed as test and reserve driver at Sauber but was dropped earlier this month, at which point it was announced that he was no longer part of the FDA programme.

Whilst his progress through the ranks appeared to stall once he arrived in GP2, where he only won one race and best season finish was seventh (2015) with Trident, the youngster claims that it was Arrivabene's attitude towards him that ended the Ferrari dream.

"I never had a good relationship with Maurizio Arrivabene," he told Autosprint. "He did not think I was good enough for F1, so it ended. But you can't please everyone."

In a subsequent interview with Motorsport.com, he added: "He decided that I was not the right person to be in Ferrari. I think he just didn't like me. It's normal, you can like and not like some people. So he didn't want to let me be in Ferrari. And he pushed me out."

Marciello drove the Ferrari once in 2015, at the post-Spanish GP test, next day he drove the Sauber. He drove the Sauber again at the post-Austrian GP test.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by alfsboy, 24/01/2016 10:22

"Looking for the Stroll millions "

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2. Posted by SteveAikens, 23/01/2016 23:16

"Seriously? Did it ever occur to you that you're not --- GOOD ENOUGH!

Jesus - I hate these whinny babies that think it's all because someone doesn't like them. MAN UP! It's not about liking you. If that was the case - Hamilton would have never had a ride.

Sorry for the rant but this kind of ignorance just pisses me off. Heard enough of that to last my lifetime.
"

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3. Posted by Chris Roper, 23/01/2016 19:33

"I am not a Ferrari fan but personally I consider Arrivabene to be one of the most likable people in the paddock. He is also a team principal and a shrewd businessman. I find it disappointing that a wannabe rookie, who was given every opportunity, can then blame his lack of progress on a team principal.
I find it even more disappointing, however, that it is given exposure by the F1 press. It shows the sad state our sport has declined to for such drivel to be considered worthy of publication. "

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Marciello: Arrivabene didn't like me

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