I can't tell if it's being sarcastic or realistic.. I get the feeling that it's being sarcastic. I mean.. Is this a website that puts out credible stories?! Or do they usually make jokes of stories?
To the non-native English speakers.. The article is saying Gerard Lopez had a plan to take the team back to its "original self." Which is a team full of debt and cars that break down frequently. It says he had this plan from the time he bought the team.
It's really not worth saying much more. I think it's written as "tongue in cheek." That's what we would say here in America. It's written with language that tells you the writer is being sarcastic (not serious) and poking fun at their massive debts and poor future outlook.