Ecclestone says Montezemolo is still a friend despite war of words

Ecclestone was unimpressed with Ferrari's request for the FIA to investigate the yellow flag situation surrounding Sebastian Vettel at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

A few days later, di Montezemolo suggested that F1 would benefit from having younger management in charge who can help lead the sport to a brighter future.

Despite the comments, Ecclestone said an in interview with Corriere della Sera that the matter was not taken too seriously.

"Montezemolo is still a friend and I'm convinced that he didn't really intend to say the things he said about me, about my age and my ability to continue to work. I'm happy - it's just 'role playing'" he said.

Ecclestone made it clear that rather than accept the need for younger management, he was even more determined to stay at the helm.

He said he wanted to make F1 "think and act like the world's leading sport". He added: "I'll continue to help with my ideas - I still have plenty left."

He also reiterated that he was not concerned at the prospect of any further action being taken against him by German courts over the Gerhard Gribkowsky affair.

"I would be (worried) if I was guilty," he said. "But I'm not! Are they trying to entrap me? I don't know and I don't care. All I know is that people try anything when money is involved."