Sergio Marchionne dies: F1 pays tribute to former Ferrari chief

Formula 1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey has led the tributes to former Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne, who died today aged 66.

Marchionne passed away in hospital in Zurich after suffering complications from shoulder surgery. The Italian-Canadian businessman was also the chief executive of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) for 14 years before stepping down a couple of days ago after his condition worsened.

In a statement posted on F1.com, Carey called Marchionne “a leader and a friend”. He said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergio Marchionne. He was a great leader of not just Formula 1 and the automobile world, but the business world overall.

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“He led with great passion, energy and insight, and inspired all around him. His contributions to Formula 1 are immeasurable. He was also a true friend to all of us and he will be deeply missed. At this difficult time we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.”

F1.com reports that under Marchionne’s stewardship Ferrari have “once more risen to the top echelon of the championship, having won four of the 11 races to date in 2018, and challenging for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles”.

F1 teams, officials and pundits have sent messages of condolence to Ferrari and Marchionne’s family and friends.

Toto Wolff, team principal of Ferrari’s main title rivals Mercedes, said Marchionne was an “ally and a friend”. Wolff said via the Mercedes Twitter account: “This is a sad day for all of us in @F1. We have a lost a huge supporter of our sport, a fierce competitor, an ally and a friend. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Sergio’s family and all at @ScuderiaFerrari at this difficult time.”

Red Bull Racing called Marchionne “a great competitor on and off track” while Williams, McLaren and Toro Rosso also paid tribute.

How F1 reacted to Marchionne’s death: