London: Ferrari's CEO Jean Todt confessed that had the circumstances been favourable, he would have called time on his Formula One career and retired.

The Frenchman claimed he was ready to leave Formula 1 but felt obliged to remain because Ferrari was already losing three of its central figures – Michael Schumacher, technical director Ross Brawn and engine chief Paolo Martinelli.

Speaking to the French newspaper Le Figaro, he said, "This period of change denied me the right to abandon ship. But if everyone had remained namely Michael, Ross and Paolo Martinelli I would surely have left."

Todt also dismissed accusations levelled by Renault boss Flavio Briatore that the only reason Felipe Massa is at Ferrari is because his son manages him.

"Coming from him makes me laugh," he said.

"Certain people should look at themselves in the mirror, but it doesn’t surprise me anymore. Massa has demonstrated he can handle the pressure of a great team and he proved it driving alongside Schumacher," he said.

Todt was also at pains to allay fears concerning their new signing Kimi Räikkönen and his less than salubrious pastimes.

"If he wishes to drink a glass or two every so often with his friends, we will ask him politely to do so with discretion," he said.

The Finn has been involved in a number of high-profiled incidents whilst out with friends at various nightclubs, an image Ferrari will be keen to put a halt to.