Ferrari has hit back in the wake of criticism of a pit strategy that cost its driver, Fernando Alonso, the 2010 Formula One World Championship.

Reaction in Italy was instant, some going into mourning as the Italian team let an almost certain drivers' title slip through its fingers, whilst others assumed the high ground and called for heads to roll. Among those, cabinet minister Roberto Calderoli - who in 2006 was asked to resign by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for his stance on the infamous 'cartoon crisis' - called on Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo should step down.

Clearly stung by the criticism, Ferrari has his back, accusing some of its critics of jumping on the winners' bandwagon.

"For all of us it's a difficult day," said the Maranello outfit on it website. "The night hasn't lessened the bitter taste after the sad end to an extraordinary season.

"Instead, we're sorry to see that there are some politicians on the outside who are ready to jump onto the winner's bandwagon then push for the guillotine when things go badly.

"We don't understand anyone who revels in self-defeatism, who sinks into the culture of 'everything's gone wrong, we have to start all over again'. They are vices that are very Italian, that we must learn to shake off.

"The hard law of sport requires just one winner but this last race mustn't let us forget that we ended up fighting for the drivers championship right up to the final race, including an exceptional fightback when the critics said we were beaten four months ago. We have always stayed united, like a real team, acting as the people of Ferrari know how: gritting our teeth and never letting go.

"We have returned Ferrari to where it should be, fighting for victory: it also proves something that, apart from two exceptions, since 1997 we've arrived at the last race either as world champions - 14 titles won, no one has done better - or among those fighting for the final victory. In sport, we remember the margin between victory and defeat is always very slim and you have to know how to accept losing just as you have to enjoy your successes with restraint.

"We must be proud of what we have achieved this year. Let today be the beginning of a new season that we will approach - if it were possible - with even more will to win."