After a decade-long absence from Formula 1, former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo is set to attend a Grand Prix this week. The Italian was invited to watch the race alongside the royal family of Bahrain. Before departing for Sakhir, Montezemolo shared his thoughts on the current state of affairs at Ferrari, sparing no criticism for the Scuderia.
“It will be an emotional affair to return to Formula 1,” Luca Cordero di Montezemolo told Italian news channel TG1. “Ten years is a very long time. I hope I can bring a bit of luck to Ferrari – they could certainly use it right now.” The Scuderia has yet to stand on the podium this season, barring a single sprint victory. Thanks in part to a double disqualification in Shanghai, the Italians currently hold fourth place in the championship. They trail McLaren by 76 points heading into Bahrain.
When asked how he views the current championship as a tifoso, Montezemolo responded, “How do I feel as a fan? Disappointed, because I see a team without a soul. Ferrari should radiate passion, Ferrari should be working day and night, Ferrari should never give up. At the same time, I’m also a bit angry, because I had hoped to see a truly competitive car from the start of this year.”
Lewis Hamilton
The former Ferrari chairman speaks highly of Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion is making his debut with the Italian racing team this year. “Hamilton is a fantastic guy,” says Montezemolo. “He is part of the history of Formula 1. He knows this is his last chance; he came to Ferrari to win and to end his career. That being said, it’s hard to adapt to a new way of working. Moreover, you need a car that can fight for the title. After so many years, we really need a winning car.”
As for that, Montezemolo has little expectations for the current season: “If Ferrari had solved the balance problems during the test days in Bahrain, I would be more optimistic about the future. After seeing the first three races, I am less so,” he concluded with a bitter smile. On September 10, 2014, Montezemolo resigned as chairman of Ferrari, following increasing tensions with his intended successor, FIAT-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.
