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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter