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Mercedes Zetsche sees 'big question mark' after Marchionne exit

Dieter Zetsche, the man at the helm of Mercedes-Benz, believes Sergio Marchionne's departure from Ferrari has put a layer of uncertainty over Formula 1.

A severe medical condition affecting the 66-year-old executive compelled the Fiat Chrysler and Ferrari boards to replace Marchionne last weekend, the House of Maranello appointing John Elkann and Louis Camilleri as Chairman and CEO, respectively.

Both men met with Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene on Monday, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen joining in via video conference, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Winning the world championship is Ferrari's only goal," said Elkann afterwards.

McLaren's Brown hopes Marchionne's successor 'sees the value of F1'

It's unsure how changes at Ferrari will impact the team's driver line-up for 2019, with many suggesting the Scuderia could choose to retain Raikkonen rather than promote rookie Charles Leclerc.

But questions on how a change of the guard at Maranello may alter Ferrari's stance on Formula 1's political front also linger.

For Mercedes CEO Zetsche, Marchionne's unexpected and unfortunate exit is a significant event, and one that could disrupt talks, relations or alliances between Ferrari, F1 teams and the sport's commercial rights holder.

"I have always worked together well with Sergio, even throughout our battles," Zetsche told Ansa news agency.

"I don't know what will happen now, because we must start over. I have no doubt that I will continue to have good relations as I did with Sergio.

"It is clear, however, that we had reached certain fixed points on which we could work together. This will no longer be possible," he added.

"The future is a big question mark."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.