Vettel is Mattiaci’s ‘Parting Gift’ to Ferrari.

Marco Mattiacci has broken his silence to suggest Sebastian Vettel was his “parting gift” to Ferrari. After just seven months in the job, the Italian has been replaced as Ferrari team boss by the Marlboro executive Maurizio Arrivabene.

“My best wishes to him are sincere,” said Mattiacci, as he spoke for the first time since his ousting to the well-known Ferrari insider Leo Turrini.

“He (Arrivabene) is a very competent person and I am sure the fans – and I include myself – will get the results they expect.”

But Mattiacci denied that his short F1 adventure had been an unpleasant one.

Whereas Vettel says he is not expecting to race a winning Ferrari in 2015 because he struggled this year. He was also beaten by new teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

“After the disappointing results of the first half of the season it became a possibility that I could leave Red Bull,” said Vettel.

“So this led to more detailed discussions with Ferrari. The interest was there. I think the timing was just right with everything,” he added.

He will be replaced by Fernando Alonso, F1’s most highly rated driver who has now decided to return to McLaren.

“I am very aware that we at Ferrari have a big job coming up that will take time — especially when Mercedes has such a huge competitive advantage.”

“I have seen pictures of Vettel in the Ferrari box for testing in Abu Dhabi and I can say I am happy to have brought him to Maranello where he already brings a new energy, a fresh enthusiasm,” said Mattiacci.

Asked if Vettel wearing red is Mattiacci’s parting gift to Ferrari, he said: “If you write that, I will not be sorry.” (GMM)