Montezemolo: Verstappen's the Best, Ferrari Needs to Catch Up
Luca di Montezemolo, former Ferrari boss, praises Max Verstappen's exceptional talent and consistency in Formula 1. Read more about his thoughts on the sport.
Montezemolo's comments come amid speculation surrounding Ferrari's current leadership and driver lineup...
Luca di Montezemolo, the former Ferrari boss, has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen, stating that he would hire the Dutch driver without hesitation if he were still leading the Italian Formula One team. Montezemolo described Verstappen as “by far the number one” driver, praising his exceptional performance in difficult conditions, such as the Baku Grand Prix, where Verstappen demonstrated his skill by maintaining control and speed without making mistakes.
Key Points about Montezemolo's Comments:
Verstappen's Exceptional Ability: Montezemolo highlighted Verstappen's consistency and speed, noting that he never loses control and always performs at a high level.
Comparison to Ferrari Drivers: While Montezemolo acknowledged the talents of Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, he emphasized that Verstappen stands out as the best in his view.
No Mention of Lewis Hamilton: Notably, Montezemolo did not mention seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in his assessment, despite Hamilton's recent switch to Ferrari.
Teamwork Emphasis: Montezemolo stressed the importance of teamwork in Formula One, stating that if he were to return to Ferrari, he would quickly identify the right personnel for key positions.
Montezemolo's comments come after the premiere of the documentary “Luca: Seeing Red,” which chronicles his life and career. The film features insights into his time at Ferrari, where he oversaw a golden period with drivers like Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher, making Ferrari the most successful team in F1 history.
“Today I have to say, for me, Verstappen is by far the number one,” said the Italian.
“Even in the last race in Baku, difficult conditions, he never lost control. He was always quick. He never makes mistakes.
“(Carlos) Sainz and (Charles) Leclerc was a very good (Ferrari) couple. But no question, Verstappen is by far the best in my view. By far.”
The first time was so nice, he's done it five more times in consecutive seasons 🤩
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 25, 2025
Max is also joint second in the all-time number of Grand Slams in F1 💪#F1 pic.twitter.com/rCDKLZoAbf
Ferrari Leadership Insights
Former Ferrari President Luca Montezemolo shared his thoughts on team management, highlighting the importance of teamwork. He stated that if he were to take over Ferrari, he would know exactly who to put in different positions within a week. Montezemolo emphasized the value of collaboration and having the right people in place to drive success.
Montezemolo's comments come amid speculation surrounding Ferrari's current leadership and driver lineup. Notably, he didn't mention Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's newest driver who hasn't yet stood on the podium with the team, or Fred Vasseur, the team's principal. Hamilton's teammate Charles Leclerc has been struggling to find consistent form, while Sainz impressed with Williams, finishing third in Baku.
Ferrari's leadership has been under scrutiny, especially after Fred Vasseur's contract renewal. Some critics argue that Vasseur still needs to fully understand the team's culture and mechanisms. Despite these challenges, Vasseur expressed confidence in Lewis Hamilton's abilities, predicting he would reach the podium this season.
Luca di Montezemolo's departure from Ferrari in 2014 marked the end of an era for the Italian racing team. After 23 years at the helm, Montezemolo stepped down as chairman, passing the reins to Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. His exit came amid speculation about Ferrari's future direction, particularly regarding the team's Formula One performance and potential flotation.
During his tenure, Montezemolo oversaw a golden period in Ferrari's history, with the team achieving unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Ferrari won numerous championships with legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher. Montezemolo's impact on the team was profound, transforming Ferrari into the most successful team in Formula One history with 118 wins, six driver's championships, and eight constructor's championships.
Montezemolo's relationship with Ferrari began in 1973 when Enzo Ferrari appointed him as the team's sporting director. Over the years, he played a crucial role in shaping the team's direction and securing its dominance in Formula One. His legacy continues to be celebrated by Ferrari fans worldwide.
A documentary film features an intriguing account from Manish Pandey, producer of the award-winning documentary ’Senna.’ According to Pandey, Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna visited his home near Bologna just days before his fatal accident at Imola in 1994. During this visit, Senna expressed his desire to join Ferrari. Luca di Montezemolo, former Ferrari boss, believes that if Senna had joined the team, Ferrari might not have signed Michael Schumacher, potentially altering the course of Formula One history.
The film's screening was attended by notable figures from the Formula One world, including Stefano Domenicali, who now oversees Formula One; Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team principal and current head of the Audi F1 project; and Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren. Binotto, who parted ways with Ferrari in 2022 after a successful four-year tenure, has since taken on a new role leading Audi's Formula One project, working alongside Sauber Motorsport.
Montezemolo's comments highlight the what-ifs of Senna's career and the potential impact on Formula One's history. As the audience reflected on the film and Senna's legacy, it was clear that his influence on the sport continues to be felt. The documentary offers a glimpse into the life and career of a racing legend, whose aspirations and decisions continue to fascinate fans and shape the narrative of Formula One's past and present.
He also mentioned that he would know exactly who to put in different positions if he were to return to Ferrari, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
“I am happy now for Binotto... he is investing in the future with a good Brazilian young driver (Gabriel Bortoleto), looking ahead,” Montezemolo said, expressing his approval of Mattia Binotto's decision to invest in young talent. Montezemolo still watches every Formula One race, usually alone, and has admitted to smashing two televisions in anger over the years. The audience at the premiere of “Luca: Seeing Red” included notable figures such as Adrian Newey, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Montezemolo believes that Ferrari needs to reinvent themselves to reach the pinnacle of Formula One again. He thinks that looking at what other teams like Red Bull Racing or Mercedes-Benz are doing won't solve the problem. Instead, Ferrari needs to create a new dynamic and find the right people to lead the team. Montezemolo's comments come after Binotto's departure from Ferrari to lead the Audi F1 project.
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