Luca di Montezemolo talks about the future of Ferrari and Massa
The president of Ferrari assures that the future of Felipe Massa is not yet sealed at Maranello but believes that the Scuderia needs two competitive drivers. The Italian also mentioned the possibility of withdrawing from Formula One if it no longer constitutes a technological and sporting challenge for Ferrari.
Asked about the future of Felipe Massa at Maranello, Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari Spa, does little to clear the thick clouds hovering over the seat currently occupied by the Paulista: “We will see. Not immediately. Surely, he must deliver good results and Felipe is, and always has been, an important driver for Ferrari,” the Italian tells CNN. “We are not there with a gun to his head. We will see. I think I will have to think about the future, and we need two very competitive drivers.”
The president of the Italian manufacturer also took the opportunity to bring up the specter of a possible withdrawal of Ferrari from Formula One: « Yes, a Formula One without Ferrari is possible. I can’t imagine Ferrari without competition or sporting challenges. »
However, Luca di Montezemolo believes that the premier category is evolving today in a way that minimizes the interest that the Prancing Horse might have in it: « If Formula One is no longer a means of research and technology for us, then [Ferrari leaving F1] could be a risk, because we are going too far in terms of aerodynamics, for example. F1 cars are becoming some sort of tools for aeronautical research: I want to do automotive research. »
The Italian, however, assures that a withdrawal from Ferrari is not on the agenda: « Today, it is not relevant. Maybe in the future: it will depend on the regulations and many other reasons. When I hear that we could make electric F1s, it’s a joke because Formula One is not that. There are no emotions [with electric cars]. It’s not sport, maybe a distant nephew of Formula One. So we must move forward without losing the essence of our sport. »
