Luca Di Montezemolo has scotched rumours he was set to resign as president of Ferrari.
Speculation had built up in recent days Di Montezemolo, who has been in charge at Ferrari for the last 23 years, was on his way out.
But the suave 67-year-old made clear at Monza ahead of the Italian GP he had no intention of walking away, and instead would be around for another three years at least.
Speaking on the steps of the Ferrari motorhome in the paddock, and in front of a bank of at least 150 cameramen, photographers and written media, Di Montezemolo said: “I’ve heard a lot of rumours regarding myself.
“This often happens in the summer in Italy, and maybe this time it is a little bit too much.
“But I am working, I am not here to have a vacation. I am here because we are working very hard.
“We are working with (team principal Marco) Mattiacci to improve the organisation, to improve F1.
“We have to improve the team, to reorganise, to look ahead, so I am very, very busy.
“I said in March, to my shareholders and particularly to my people in Ferrari, I was ready to accept three more years.
“To me, the men and women in Ferrari are the most important part of my life, and I took a commitment with them.
“We are also preparing an historic record at the end of this year in terms of financial results.
“Ferrari is facing a fantastic moment. So that’s it. If and when there will be some news about me, I will be the first to let you know.”
In terms of F1, top of Di Montezemolo’s list of concerns – with the exception of the fact Ferrari have now gone 26 races without a victory – is the sport’s dwindling fan base.
“It’s not a question of the show, it’s not a question of whether the races are interesting or not, the question is how to put the fans at the centre of our attention,” he added.
“We need rules that are less complicated, and we have to work with the stakeholders of F1, sponsors, television, media and promoters to improve the promotion, marketing and attention of young people.
“This is important and crucial for Ferrari. This has nothing to do with being competitive or not.
“This is for the future of Formula One because we have been in Formula One since 1950, so we have to think of Formula One.”