Ferrari Formula 1 team urged not to fear change by new boss

A year of major reorganisation at Ferrari began with long-time F1 operation chief Stefano Domenicali standing aside for Marco Mattiacci, whose tenure last just nine months before he was ousted in favour of Arrivabene.

Marchionne himself took over from Luca di Montezemolo at the head of the company, while Fernando Alonso left after five seasons to rejoin McLaren, with Sebastian Vettel coming in to replace him alongside Kimi Raikkonen for 2015.

Ferrari endured its first win-less year since 1993 this season, with Alonso only twice on the podium and Raikkonen never making it higher than fourth, but Marchionne is adamant that form will change under the team's new leadership.

"In this room, there are many very talented people," said Marchionne.

"I am here to get you working at your best and to give you the necessary resources, which when combined with your ability will put our fantastic driver pairing in a position to fight for the front row.

"That's why I decided to bring in Maurizio Arrivabene, who will ensure that you and Ferrari will benefit from very efficient leadership.

"I have full confidence in Maurizio. He has known this world for a long time and has the ability to steer the Scuderia in what is a difficult period for it and for Formula 1 in general.

"Do not fear change, be proactive and have the courage to come up with ideas. I know you can do it and that's what Ferrari needs."

Arrivabene moved into the Ferrari team role after a long stint in an executive position with its major backer Philip Morris. He also addressed the staff at the Christmas dinner.

"I am very proud to work for this company, which is the best there is," said Arrivabene.

"A company is its people and in this case, they are special people.

"Now we are here to look forward to Christmas, but as from January, I want to see you not on the defensive but on the attack, because the aim is to get the Scuderia back where it should be."

Alonso, who was announced as a 2015 McLaren driver on Thursday, also attended the Maranello event in one of his final engagements for Ferrari, as well as his replacement Vettel and Raikkonen.