Tributes have flooded in from the world of motorsport, the automotive industry and beyond, following the passing of former Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne.
A colourful and charismatic fellow, Marchionne was one of the most respected chiefs in the auto industry, having turned around Fiat’s waning automotive fortunes.
The Italian will be remembered as a great motivator who got things done, who fought his corner in Ferrari’s best interests and spoke as he found, and a giant of the car industry as a whole.
Jean Todt, FIA president
“It is with great sadness that I learned that Sergio Marchionne tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Sergio achieved a colossal amount for the automotive industry and motor sport worldwide. He dedicated himself fully to turn around the FIAT-Chrysler group and put all his energy to bring Scuderia Ferrari back to the top.
“He was an endearing, upstanding and brave man, an unconventional and visionary leader. He was an eminent member of the FIA F1 Strategy Group and of the FIA High-Level Panel for Road Safety. His death is a considerable loss. On behalf of the entire FIA community, all my thoughts go out to his family, his friends and his Ferrari and Fiat-Chrysler group teams.”
“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. 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.”