Montezemolo regrets lack of recognition by Ferrari

Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo regrets that his past contribution to the iconic Italian company's growth and worldwide success was not recognised by current management in the wake of the manufacturer's recent flotation on the public stock market.

Montezemolo, whose career with Ferrari initially started way back in 1973 as the Scuderia's sporting director, guided the house of Maranello's destiny from 1991 until the end of 2014, when a fall-out with current chairman Sergio Marchionne ended the 68-year-old manager's reign.

Under Montezemolo's govern, the Ferrari brand and its products flourished while the Scuderia conquered 14 world drivers' and constructers' titles, the bulk of which were achieved during the Michael Schumacher era between 2000 and 2004.

Speaking recently to the Financial Times on the subject of Ferrari's flotation, the current chairman and CEO of Italian airline carrier Alitalia believes he deserves more credit for his contribution to Ferrari's prosperity.

"When Ferrari went public, of the results they presented, 23 of 24 years were down to me and my people," he said.

"So the least I expected from the owners was an official thank you. I didn’t expect a present because the value [of the company at $9.8bn in the initial public offering] was unbelievable, but at least a thanks."

In addition to his responsibilities with Alitalia, Montezemolo also heads the committee which is attempting to secure the 2024 Olympic Games for the city of Rome.

Feature: Force India winter diary part two - Logistics

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

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.

Recent Posts

Komatsu: F1 teams united against Audi 2026 cost-cap offset

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that nine Formula 1 teams stand in opposition…

1 hour ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

2 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…

2 hours ago

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

12 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

13 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

14 hours ago