Marchionne: Mercedes no less mighty without Rosberg

©Ferrari

Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne believes that Nico Rosberg's retirement from Formula 1 will change nothing to Mercedes' formidable might in 2017.

Speaking at Daytona last weekend, where Ferrari was celebrating the end of its 2016 motorsport season with its traditional Finali Mondiali event, Marchionne admitted to have been very surprised by the German driver's announcement.

"I actually complimented Rosberg for having had the courage for what he did," Marchionne told Motorsport.com.

"I think timing in life is everything. He's exiting the F1 season as a champion. He can't get better than that.

"I think Nico had reached an age where he'd invested a long part of his life to racing. And coming out as a champion is a culmination of his expectations."

While the Italian executive confessed that he wasn't sure what impact if any Rosberg's retreat would have on Ferrari's arch rival, he scrapped speculation that the move could eventually weaken Mercedes.

"I do not expect a weaker Mercedes at all. Let's not forget that they still have Lewis Hamilton on board, and I'm sure they'll choose a driver of equal potential calibre as they've had in the past."

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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.