Montezemolo: Enzo would have never accepted Ferrari 'cheering'

Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo criticized the Italian outfit for "cheering" its recent podium at Spa, insisting Enzo Ferrari "would have never accepted" such a level of contentment.

After finishing second behind Red Bull in last year's Constructors' championship, Ferrari ambitioned to give the Milton Keynes-based outfit a run for its money this season.

But halfway through its 2023 campaign that plan has failed miserably, not only due to Red Bull's extended supremacy but also because of the Scuderia's own shortfall which has left it only fourth in the championship, with Mercedes and Aston Martin also outscoring Ferrari.

Nevertheless, the team celebrated Charles Leclerc's run to third at Spa last time out as a positive event that reflected the Scuderia's recent step forward.

• Read also: Leclerc reveals reduced Ferrari objectives for 2023

But for di Montezemolo, such a perception is an indication of Ferrari's current tendency to set a low bar and settle for less.

"Do you know what I find unfortunate? That they are now cheering for third place, like at Spa," di Monetzemolo told Italy's Quotidiano Sportivo.

"That's not the way Ferrari is, and the Old Man would never have accepted that, never.

"[Enzo] Ferrari taught me a lot. As an example, he taught me never to settle. After a win, he was always thinking about the next race.

"At the same time, it was hard work. Enzo hated holidays. In August, he kept me in the office, he was not a supporter of those who went on holiday in August.

"He made me understand that Ferrari is an emotion that holds human and social value in its industry, it is a symbol of research and innovation. As president, between 1991 and 2014, I tried to be faithful to his lesson".

Addressing the future and Ferrari's driver line-up, di Montezemolo said the latter wasn't the team's most pressing concern although he believed that Leclerc should remain with the Italian squad.

"Charles I would definitely want to keep, he is good and, in my opinion, there are no stronger drivers than him available at the moment," he added.

"But currently, whoever is driving the red car is the least of the team's problems.

"When I was the president, I created a Dream Team with Schumacher to Todt, from Brawn to Byrne.

"Look, as a fan, I don't dream of a Ferrari that always wins, but that always fights for the title right up to the last race of the season, like in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2010 and 2012.

"You can lose - but as a protagonist, not as a secondary player."

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