Montezemolo: With Hamilton, Ferrari would have won the title

As everyone and their dog offers their two cents on Ferrari's performance this year, Luca di Montezemolo is the latest voice to chime in on the subject.

The Italian executive, who presided over Ferrari's destiny for over two decades, praised Lewis Hamilton for clinching his fifth world title, believing the Mercedes driver would have also secured the crown had he been at the wheel of a red car.

"This year Hamilton made the difference in his best season since his debut," Montezemolo told Italy's RAI radio.

"He has had moments of weakness and crisis, but this year with Ferrari he would have won. I say that not to belittle Vettel, who has every opportunity to rebuild with a competitive car."

Todt's view: Ferrari defeated in 2018 by 'little things'

Despite the indisputable mistakes made by Sebastian Vettel this season, di Montezemolo isn't solely blaming the German driver for the Scuderia's defeat.

"This Ferrari is a very different Ferrari to the one I left in October 2014, in terms of men and mentality," he said.

"Ferrari did a good car this year, which in some situations was even better than Mercedes. But the final part was missing.

"Vettel made some decisive mistakes, but for the world championship you have to do everything to keep him up. He is a driver of the highest order and always close to the team.

"In frustration he must be supported, even more so with the arrival of a very strong boy (Leclerc) with a great future," he added.

"Schumacher also made mistakes in the first days, but it is always important to speak clearly in the locker room and support the team in public."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.