Ferrari rubs salt in McLaren's wounds

Speaking after Michael Schumacher sealed Ferrari's second world drivers' championship on the trot, di Montezemolo joked at the expense of his beaten adversary. McLaren has yet to confirm either of its drivers for next season, and its former World Champion Mika Hakkinen has been the subject of many rumours over his future.

"I see that some of our competitors who used to announce their driver line-up early are unable to do so now," he said. "That is their problem. I see that so many people talk about Ferrari and make judgements about our drivers.

"I have seen recent declarations from Ron Dennis," he added. "I have a friend who is a psychiatrist, one of my best friends, and I can recommend him to Ron Dennis to give him some help."

Di Montezemolo said he was proud of his team's achievements over the past few seasons, and how its fortunes have turned around.

"In the past someone said Ferrari would only win if we bought a Williams and painted it red," he said. "We build the entire car here. We chose to do our best in-house. I am satisfied, but well aware our work is tough."