Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo believes he knows what is wrong with the Italian outfit and claims he can "fix" the Scuderia's problems.
Ferrari endured this season one of its worst campaigns in its modern history, concluding the year a distant sixth in the Constructors' standings, its worst result in four decades.
In the past few seasons, Ferrari has struggled to field a car capable of consistently challenging its front-running rivals. But off the track, the team's discrepancies have been just as abundant, with management changes and structural overhauls that have so far failed to improve its fortunes.
After overseeing the Scuderia's design department, Mattia Binotto was entrusted with the role of team principal in 2019, as Maurizio Arrivabene was sent packing.
But many still believe that Ferrari crucially lacks the clear leadership to allow it to fight for the world championship once again.
©Ferrari
Luca di Montezemolo, who was ousted from Ferrari by FIAT Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne in September of 2014, believes he has identified the problems undermining F1's most successful team.
The 73-year-old Italian also says he knows how to fix the issues. Except that no one is asking for his advice.
"Is it possible for me to return to Ferrari? The question should not be asked to me. No one has asked me anything," he told a RAI radio program.
“I think I know what the problems are and I can fix them, I know what needs to be tackled over time. But I see with great regret a weak Ferrari, out of the top positions, and that makes me worried because it’s a very difficult time for the team."
Di Montezemolo's story with Ferrari was a two part affair that started as early as 1974 when, as a protégé of FIAT boss Gianni Agnelli, he took the reins of the Scuderia, delivering along with Niki Lauda two world titles to the House of Maranello.
Various corporate ventures out of the FIAT realm followed for di Montezemolo in the 80s. But the Italian was brought back to Maranello in 1991 and appointed president of Ferrari.
The move that preceded a successful overhaul of the company's road car business, while di Montezemolo entrusted the Scuderia to the management skills of Jean Todt who eventually built the team into an F1 powerhouse that would reap multiple world titles during the golden age of Michael Schumacher.
In the wake of the resignation last week of Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri, di Montezemolo hopes the House of Maranello will place at its helm an individual well-versed in the company's sporting history.
"This is a very different Ferrari from mine," admitted the Italian. "It pays great attention to the stock market, it has increased the production of the cars, but for the first time it has a leadership that does not know Formula 1.
"After Camilleri’s resignation, I hope they choose the new CEO well because there is a team to strengthen.
"I’m sorry to say, but there would have been a perfect person to lead Ferrari: I’m talking about Stefano Domenicali, who I am sure he will do very well in the new role.
"If they would like to hear any suggestions, I would be happy to share them. I love Ferrari very much.
"These are very difficult moments not only for the lack of victories and I want to avoid creating further elements of controversy."
Di Montezemolo touched upon the issues he believes are undermining Ferrari today.
"I try to be constructive but I’m worried because Ferrari never led a lap in the whole World Championship," he said.
"There are problems that come from afar and create questions about the future.
"These are two-fold. First of all, a horizontal organization that does not hold up in Formula 1.
"It is typical of those who lack experience and knowledge and perhaps not even the humility to see how the best teams are organized or how Ferrari itself was organized.
"Secondly, to win you need to have some element in the team that makes a difference and brings new skills.
"I had a very strong team because I’ve always tried to choose experienced people," he concluded.
Will Ferrari tackle the future by revisiting its past with Luca di Montezemolo? We wouldn't hold our breath…
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