The release did not state the reason why Phillips left – or was let go of – the team only one week before the season opening round of Bahrain Grand Prix. However, if one remembers correctly what happened within the Vijay Mallya-controlled team about 6 months ago, it all becomes a lot clearer.
Back then, Ferrari was desperately looking for a replacement for injured Felipe Massa, and no one was available on the drivers’ market. Once they’ve contacted Force India for Giancarlo Fisichella – following his great podium appearance at Spa-Francorchamps – Phillips admitted to the media that the Italian was already one step in the Ferrari garage.
Shortly after that, Mallya issued a press release in which he stated Phillips was not "authorized to speak to the media. His comments should therefore be ignored.”
In the statement on Friday, the team thanked Phillips for his accomplishments with the organization – that go way back in the Jordan days.
“In his tenure for the team, starting with Jordan Grand Prix, Ian has been responsible for sponsorship acquisition and activation, commercial direction and ongoing negotiations with the FIA and commercial rights' holder, FOM, and the signing of over 50 drivers,” said the press release. “The team would like to wish Ian every success in his future endeavours.”
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