Montezemolo: 'Accepting hybrid power unit era, my mistake'

Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo believes that in hindsight, the introduction of the 1.6 litre hybrid V6 turbo power unit era was a mistake.

The Scuderia's level of performance has suffered since the advent of hybrid engines in Formula 1, with Ferrari collecting just three wins, all achieved in 2015, in the past three seasons.

Montezemolo admitted he hasn't been surprised by Mercedes' utter domination of Formula 1, given the fact that the German manufacturer started working on the hybrid concept ten years ago!

"Niki Lauda recently confessed to me that Mercedes was working on it since 2007," Montezemolo told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

"That is why they were so adamant during the (rules) negotiations," he claimed.

'Mood swings and bold claims' hurting Ferrari, says Prost

With regard to the decision to steer Formula 1 into a hybrid era, the former Ferrari boss admits that supporting the change was a big mistake for the Scuderia.

"I made a mistake, yes. But I felt that I could not put Ferrari in a position antithetical to progress. A fearful Ferrari could not be my Ferrari," he concluded.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.