Montezemolo denies calling for Ecclestone axe

Luca di Montezemolo has denied calling for Bernie Ecclestone to step down as F1 supremo.

The former Ferrari president had been quoted by German monthly Manager Magazin last week as urging F1 owner CVC to "engage a management team" that prioritises "finance, marketing and the digital world".

Some publications interpreted the Italian’s comments as a signal to chief executive Ecclestone, 84, to step down for the good of the sport.

"I never said that Bernie Ecclestone needs to step aside," Montezemolo insisted to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He knows formula one like no other, he should remain," the 67-year-old clarified, "to ensure a good handover.

But "At his side he needs top people: experts in finance, marketing and digital," Montezemolo added.