Tributes to visionary Marchionne

Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has hailed Sergio Marchionne as a “visionary leader” following his death yesterday.

Marchionne, pictured, who was stood down as Ferrari chairman only on Saturday, died in a Zurich hospital, aged 66, following complications from shoulder surgery.

He helped to re-establish Ferrari as Formula One championship contenders after he took over from Luca Di Montezemolo in September 2014.

Marchionne was also an outspoken and influential voice away from the track, and threatened to pull Ferrari out of the sport.

“It is with great sadness that I learned that Sergio Marchionne tragically and unexpectedly passed away,” Todt said. “Sergio achieved a colossal amount for the automotive industry and motor sport worldwide.

“He dedicated himself fully to turn around the Fiatchrysler group and put all his energy to bring Scuderia Ferrari back to the top.” Frenchman Todt added: “He was an endearing, upstanding and brave man, an unconventional and visionary leader. His death is a considerable loss.”

Ferrari are eight points behind Mercedes in this season’s constructors’ championship, while their lead driver Sebastian Vettel is second to Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ standings.

The famous Italian team are expected to pay tribute to Marchionne at this week’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

F1 chairman Chase Carey added: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergio Marchionne. He was a great leader of not just Formula One and the automobile world, but the business world overall.”

Marchionne formed a strong allegiance with Mercedes following concerns over Liberty Media’s vision for the sport. “This is a sad day for all of us in F1,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff added. “We have a lost a huge supporter of our sport, a fierce competitor, an ally and a friend.”