Luca di Montezemolo, the esteemed former chairman of Ferrari, recently voiced his concerns over leadership issues plaguing the iconic racing team, as Ferrari struggled during the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying.
In the buzzing world of Formula 1, Ferrari is no stranger to drama. The recent qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix saw Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc securing an impressive third-fastest time. However, thanks to a grid penalty for George Russell, Leclerc will start from the front row alongside McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, known for his seven World Championship titles, found himself in a less favorable position, qualifying ninth.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari was met with high expectations, but the journey hasn’t been smooth. After a not-so-satisfactory session, Hamilton apologized over the radio, acknowledging his frustration. ‘I’m really sorry, guys. Sorry, man. Really sorry,’ he expressed candidly. In the media interview that followed, he emphasized, ‘The car is good enough,’ pointing out Leclerc’s position as proof.
Amidst this backdrop, Luca di Montezemolo’s remarks added fuel to the fire. Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Montezemolo emphasized the team’s lack of robust leadership as a central issue. ‘This team at certain times lacks a leader, lacks leadership in the broader sense,’ he stated. His words have potential implications for the team’s principal, Fred Vasseur, who now shoulders the burden of elevating Ferrari’s performance.
What’s more, Ferrari introduced a new car floor this weekend, a change met with mixed reactions from their star drivers. Both Hamilton and Leclerc noted an improvement in performance. Yet, Hamilton sounds optimistic while Leclerc remains cautious, suggesting that the upgrade alone might not bridge the competitive gap with McLaren.
The Ferrari camp is abuzz with anticipation as Leclerc prepares to capitalize on his advantageous starting position. As the race day looms, all eyes are on Ferrari to see whether Montezemolo’s critique will catalyze necessary changes or if the team will continue to face challenges.
As Ferrari grapples with internal leadership challenges, the spotlight remains on their ability to turn criticism into constructive change. The strategic decisions they make now could define their success in the upcoming races.
