Maurizio Arrivabene could have done with a reminder of the lesson he was surely taught as a child: always look before you cross a busy road, particularly if there are Formula One cars driving along it.
Arrivabene almost caused a shock accident during free practice for the Austrian Grand Prix as he walked out in front of Felipe Massa’s Williams car.
The Ferrari team boss ignored the basic rule of crossing a road, which is looking where you are going, as he left the pit wall and attempted to reach the other side, where the Ferrari garage was positioned.
Fortunately for him, Massa was alert at the wheel and slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the Italian outfit’s team principal.
It was an alarming moment during the free practice session and the images and footage of the incident really are memorable.
Arrivabene acknowledged his mistake as he raised his hand in apology at the 34-year-old Brazilian, who raced for Ferrari between 2006 and 2013.
Fortunately, both men found the funny side later on with the pair sharing a hug and a joke about the incident after the session had concluded.
It was an eventful day all round for Ferrari as Sebastian Vettel had to be stopped out on the track.
The four-time world champion complained about losing power in fourth gear and his stricken Ferrari was eventually hauled back to the team’s garage before the session was completed.
