Montezemolo no fan of Ferrari SF90's color flatness

As far as former Ferrari president Luca di Montzemolo is concerned, a change of color for the Scuderia is almost an act of blasphemy.

The Italian outfit's 2019 prancing horse took everyone by surprise at its unveiling Maranello earlier this month, the SF90 following Red Bull Racing's lead by adopting a matte red finish.

Ferrari tops engine mileage in testing - Honda next best

Scuderia tech boss Mattia Binotto justified the change for technical reasons insisting the new color saved several hundred grams of weight.

But di Montezemolo, a purist who presided over Ferrari's glorious Schumacher years, was up in arms over the change.

"The Ferrari red, in my opinion, is sacred, it is a brand recognised across the world and therefore I do not really like it," Montezemolo told TuttoSport.

"It is like changing the colour of a flag and I am not convinced by the story that in doing so we have saved some weight."

However, the 71-year-old former Ferrari man admitted that he would give in to the change of shade if the Scuderia finally succeeds this year in bringing the title back to the House of Maranello.

"If all this should lead to a long-awaited success, then I would be willing to put aside the sorrow for the colour," he conceded.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

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.