Montezemolo dismisses politician criticism

Roberto Calderoli of Italy's Northern League party called for di Montezemolo's resignation after what he called a "demented strategy" to pit Fernando Alonso earlier than planned during Sunday's race.

But di Montezemolo dismissed the comments, coming from a political party he has been critical of in the past.

"For all of us it's a difficult day, the night hasn't lessened the bitter taste after the sad end to an extraordinary season," di Montezemolo said on Monday.

"We're sorry to see that there are some politicians on the outside who are ready to push for the guillotine when things go badly.

"We don't understand anyone who revels in self-defeatism, who sinks into the culture of 'everything's gone wrong, we have to start all over again'. They are vices that are very Italian, that we must learn to shake off."

Di Montezemolo repeated his pride in Ferrari's comeback in the later stages of the season.

"The hard law of sport requires just one winner, but we ended up fighting right up to the final race - including an exceptional fightback when the critics said we were beaten four months ago," he said.

"We have always stayed united, acting as the people of Ferrari know how: gritting our teeth and never letting go.. We have returned Ferrari to where it should be - fighting for victory.

"In sport, we remember the margin between victory and defeat is always very slim. You have to know how to accept losing just as you have to enjoy your successes with restraint."