Montezemolo hails 'strongest' Schumacher

Schumacher completed one of his most thrilling performances at Interlagos, fighting his way from the back of the field to finish in fourth place following a puncture on lap nine.

His spectacular drive did not help him in the championship, but it was enough to secure a brilliant send-off to his 16-year F1 career.

Di Montezemolo believes Schumacher's drive proved he was still the strongest driver in the sport.

"Schumacher has demonstrated in his last, unbelievable race, to still be the strongest," di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But together with the driver with whom we've shared 11 beautiful years I want to remember the extraordinary man who, especially at difficult times, has had an irreplaceable role in our team.

"We'll miss him a lot as a driver, but the collaboration and the strong human and professional bonding with Ferrari won't end.

"I want to thank him for the courage, the determination and the team spirit he's always demonstrated to us. I love him in the way one loves those few people who represent a benchmark in a person's life."