Former Ferrari driver Arturo Merzario believes that Charles Leclerc would not have been welcomed through the gates of Maranello during the time of founder Enzo Ferrari. The Monegasque has been driving for the Italian team since 2019, and was brought in as ‘Il Predestinato’, the driver who was supposed to bring Ferrari back to the top. This was unjustified, according to Merzario.
Arturo Merzario drove for the Italian team between 1972 and 1973, when founder Enzo Ferrari was still active in Formula 1. Although the Italian’s racing days are long behind him, he still closely follows the current developments in the premier class. For Charles Leclerc – who now drives for Ferrari alongside Lewis Hamilton – Merzario is not lenient.
“Leclerc ultimately got a spot at Ferrari in 2019 that he simply did not deserve at the time,” the Italian tells automoto.it. “He is a very good driver, like many others. If you throw a bunch of names in a hat and pick one out, they’re all about the same. He’s not special.”
Hamilton
The fact that Leclerc, with his seven podium finishes in 2025, stood on the podium seven times more often than teammate Hamilton, does not matter to the former Ferrari driver. “Bragging about being ahead of a seven-time world champion like Hamilton makes little sense,” Merzario continues. “In reality, Lewis has taken his foot off the gas because he doesn’t feel integrated into the team. Why would he ever give 110% under those circumstances?”
Merzario concludes about Leclerc: “If Enzo Ferrari were still alive, he wouldn’t even have come through the gates of Maranello – I’m sure of that. He wouldn’t even have been welcomed as a customer.”
