Ferrari's new team principal Marco Mattiacci was taken by surprise when Luca di Montezemolo offered him the top job at Formula One's glamour team, the Italian initially believing the chairman's approach to be a joke.
Quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel will replace Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next season after signing a three-year deal, the Italian team said on Thursday.
The entire Ferrari team has sent a message of encouragement to Formula One driver Jules Bianchi, who is fighting for his life following an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix one week ago.
Ferrari have parted company with chief designer Nikolas Tombazis and engineering director Pat Fry, two of the men responsible for designing this year's car as the team endured their first season without a win since 1993.
Stefano Domenicali resigned as Ferrari's Formula One team principal on Monday, and the company's North America president and chief executive Marco Mattiacci was appointed as his replacement.
'But I think because he's such an enthusiast, this is just what he needs. And what Ferrari needs'
The winds of change have swept through Ferrari and even Christmas has a different feel now.
An FIA report found that Marussia driver Bianchi over-controlled the oversteering car, such that he left the track earlier than Sutil, and headed towards a point 'up-stream' along the barrier.
Fernando Alonso hopes to extend his Ferrari contract beyond the end of 2016 and reckons he could have 10 more years of racing in Formula One.
Luca di Montezemolo's resignation as Ferrari chairman on Wednesday severs an historic link with the company's late founder Enzo and marks the end of an era for Formula One's most successful and glamorous team.
Ferrari felt the pain on Sunday after emerging with just two points from a hard day in front of their home fans at the Italian Grand Prix.
Jules Bianchi had a bright future in Formula One.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Tuesday
