Sergio Marchionne: 'Ferrari could lose drivers after 2017'

Sergio Marchionne has admitted that Ferrari are at risk of losing their champion drivers after 2017.

However, the great marque's president played down rumours that Sebastian Vettel is a real contender to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes next year.

"Both drivers are under contract for 2017," he said at Ferrari's world finals event in Daytona.

"What happens next, I don't know, but I think a lot depends on how we manage the 2017 season,

"If we repeat 2016, I do not think we will have the ability to attract excellent drivers."

As for new world champion Rosberg's seismic decision to leave Mercedes, Marchionne commented: "I was surprised, but I do not expect Mercedes to be weaker without him.

"Rather, I hope Ferrari will be stronger."

Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen ended 2016 in fourth and sixth place respectively in the standings.