F1 exit plan Bernie Ecclestone's 'real challenge' says Ferrari boss

The 85-year-old said last year that he has been asked to stay on as chief executive by the three parties interested in acquiring a controlling stake in F1.

He also said he was not interested in selling his 5.3 per cent stake in the series.

But Marchionne said: "Ecclestone knows that he is not going to be there forever and maybe this is also connected to the future of FOM.

"The real challenge for Bernie is to get organised.

"He needs to come up with a system where maybe some responsibilities can be developed differently.

"We have a responsibility to deliver a certain level of sound management continuity of Formula 1 with FIA and with FOM.

"So we really need to make the most of Bernie's ability to develop this sport in the best possible way. Believe me it is not easy.

"Bernie is quite a character, but he is a very nice guy and has an incredible strength.

"I don't know what I will do when I'm his age.

"What he has done over the last 10 years is incredible and he's still there."

Marchionne says it is important Ecclestone starts developing a plan for the future that will involve encouraging younger people to take an interest in F1.

"Bernie should pave the way to prepare the future of the F1 world," said Marchionne.

"This age issue is there, so we should ask ourselves: are we appealing to young people?

"This sport has great potential which has not been expressed yet.

"We need to make it entertaining because if everything is predictable, it gets boring.

"We should try to deliver more unpredictability, so to speak, so that results are unpredictable."