The Maranello squad changed team principal twice during 2014, while di Montezemolo was replaced as Ferrari president in September.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali left in April, while his replacement, Marco Mattiacci, stepped down in November and was replaced by Maurizio Arrivabene.

Vettel ended Ferrari's victory drought on Sunday at Sepang, giving the team its first win since 2013.

Di Montezemolo believes the victory is, in part, the result of the decisions made early last year.

"This is the reward for hard work. It began on this car in Maranello in February 2014, and was then picked up by those who run the Scuderia now," di Montezemolo told Italian media.

"This victory is perhaps also due to some small errors by Mercedes, but also to all those who planned the car and engine last year."

The Italian, now Alitalia's president, admits he was surprised Ferrari was able to win again so soon.

"I am very happy," he said. "I did not expect that the team would win so quickly."