Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo will be inducted into the US-based Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) for spurring the Prancing Horse’s return to racing prominence during his stewardship at Maranello.
The 67-year-old was appointed president by Giovanni Agnelli in 1991 and remained at the helm until 2014.
Di Montezemolo inherited a struggling Scuderia and managed to restore the Italian squad’s splendour to make it again a genuine Formula One powerhouse. Now a non-executive chairman at Italy's national airline Alitalia, di Montezemolo is dedicating his AHF induction to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion claimed 72 of his 91 career wins during his tenure at Maranello (1996-2006).
“I’d like to dedicate this prize to all the wonderful and competent people with whom I’ve worked at Maranello,” said the ex-Ferrari boss. “We all share the same energy, the same affection and the same passion for motor racing.
"However, in view of the specific circumstances, everybody will understand that I want to dedicate this award to Michael Schumacher, the greatest driver in the history of Ferrari. Forza Michael!”
Although Ferrari had to wait until 1999 and 2000 to recapture the Constructors’ and Driver’s titles respectively, the Schumacher-led outfit then remained undefeated until 2005. Ferrari added a pair of Constructors’ crowns in 2007 and 2008 while Kimi Raikkonen clinched the Drivers’ championship in 2007.
Star replacement Fernando Alonso came very close to adding to the team’s prestigious tally by finishing runner-up in 2010, 2012 and 2013. But Maranello’s dismal and winless 2014 campaign – a first since 1993 – eventually led to di Montezemolo’s resignation.
Founded in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of those who “moved the world forward through their contributions to the global auto industry”. The 2015 induction ceremony will be held in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday 23 July.
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