Montezemolo: Ferrari lacks soul, Hamilton title will not come true

From 1974 to 1976, Montezemolo was also team principal at Ferrari, overseeing the legendary pairing of Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni, and two decades later built the greatest Scuderia ever seen, the Dream Team led by Michael Schumacher.

His CV is impressive. Shortly before taking the reins at Maranello, Enzo Ferrari himself brought Montezemolo to Maranello — a town that would name him an honorary citizen in 2002. Montezemolo later chaired the board of the newspaper La Stampa, was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour.

He was also once recognised among the world's top 50 managers. He also led the Italian airline Alitalia. In September 2014, Montezemolo announced he would hand over his position as Chairman of the Board at Ferrari to Sergio Marchionne, who passed away in Zurich in 2018.

But that did not stop Montezemolo following his beloved Ferrari team, and on occasions like recently commenting on the Reds.

Over the past decade, Montezemolo has emerged as one of Ferrari’s harshest critics. His relationship with the team deteriorated to the point where he was not even invited to the company's 70th anniversary celebrations in Maranello.

On Sunday, at the fourth round of the 2025 F1 World Championship in Bahrain, Montezemolo was warmly welcomed by teams across the paddock — yet he steered well clear of Ferrari.

Montezemolo told Blick: "The team has lacked leadership for years. Yes, it lacks soul. They used to work day and night, and the company used to stand for passion. And now they're chasing success almost aimlessly!"

Although he refrained from naming individuals, Montezemolo’s visible frustration made his sentiments clear that the problem is not team principal Fred Vasseur, but higher up. Which can only mean Executive Chairman John Elkann and Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna.

Montezemolo also questioned Ferrari’s approach to young talent, pointing to Mercedes teenage star rookie. He said: "All of Italy is wondering why an Italian like Kimi Antonelli is driving for Mercedes and not Ferrari."

And added that Ferrari has historically preferred to buy established stars rather than develop young drivers — a trend that continues today.

Montezemolo declined to comment specifically on Lewis Hamilton’s move to the Reds, but did say: "His dream of a world championship title at Ferrari will not come true!"