The world of motorsport reacts to the death of Sergio Marchionne

Announced Wednesday morning, the disappearance of Sergio Marchionne moved the world of motorsport. Several personalities were quick to send their thoughts to the family of the former boss of the Fiat-Chrysler group and Ferrari.

First of all, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Jean Todt issued a letter on the organization’s website. “It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic and brutal death of Sergio Marchionne. Sergio has accomplished a colossal amount of work for the automotive industry and motorsport around the world. He devoted himself entirely to the recovery of the Fiat-Chrysler group and put all his energy into bringing Scuderia Ferrari back to the top », declares the man who was at the head of the Italian team between 1993 and 2007.

“He was an endearing, upright and courageous man, a non-conformist and visionary captain of industry. He was a prominent member of the FIA ​​Strategy Group for the Formula 1 and the FIA ​​High-Level Panel for road safety. His death is a considerable loss. On behalf of the entire FIA ​​community, all my thoughts are with his family, his friends and his teams at Ferrari and the Fiat-Chrysler Group.”

Chase carey, owner of Formula 1 via Liberty Media, describes Sergio Marchionne as “a leader and a friend. A leader, not only for F1 and the automotive industry, but for the business world in general. His contribution to this sport is immeasurable. He conducted (his work) with fervent passion, great energy and dedication, and inspired everyone around him. »

Fernando Alonso had rubbed shoulders with the Italian industrialist during his last season of contract with Ferrari; Sergio Marchionne arrived at the head of the Prancing Horse at the beginning of 2014. For him, the businessman was “a superb person, always very supportive. » His former teammate (from 2010 to 2013) Felipe Massa Talk about “very sad day” on Instagram.

Sad news today. RIP Sergio. Great man and always very supportive. My condolences to his family and friends, and all the @ScuderiaFerrari @Ferrari family. pic.twitter.com/IG177iIsC7

- Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) July 25, 2018

Ferrari's big opponent this season, Mercedes spoke through the head of the F1 team, Toto wolff. “It’s a sad day for everyone in F1. We have lost a huge supporter of our sport, a bitter rival, an ally (interests of the discipline) and a friend. »
 

“This is a sad day for all of us in @F1. We have 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. »

–Toto Wolff pic.twitter.com/LddZsUa4cI

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) July 25, 2018

Motorsport enthusiast and gentleman driver during historic races, Carlos Tavares (CEO of the PSA group) welcomed “the memory of a great captain of industry who will remain an example for us all”.