Luca di Montezemolo, the former president of Ferrari, recently opened up about one of the most painful and significant moments of his tenure at the helm of the iconic Italian Formula 1 team: the 2010 season. Despite overseeing some of Ferrari’s most memorable moments, including Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 World Championship and a string of competitive campaigns, the 2010 season remains a lingering source of disappointment for Montezemolo.
That year, Ferrari, with Fernando Alonso at the wheel, found themselves tantalizingly close to winning their first driver’s title since 2007, but a series of strategic miscalculations and misfortunes led to a crushing defeat. The pain of that missed opportunity continues to haunt Montezemolo, as he shared during a recent interview.
The 2010 Season: A Missed Opportunity
The 2010 Formula 1 season is often remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent history, especially for Ferrari. The team had a strong lineup, with Alonso leading the charge alongside his teammate Felipe Massa. Despite a fierce battle throughout the season, Ferrari seemed to be in a prime position to secure the championship at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Alonso, who had been consistently competitive throughout the year, found himself in a fierce battle for the title against Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel. Heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso was just a few points behind Vettel, and it seemed like Ferrari had a genuine chance of clinching the title. However, the race would prove to be a disaster for the team.
One of the key moments that led to Ferrari’s undoing in Abu Dhabi was Alonso’s inability to pass Vitaly Petrov in the final laps of the race. Despite being much faster than the Russian driver, Alonso couldn’t find a way past, which cost him valuable positions and ultimately the chance to fight for the championship. To add insult to injury, Ferrari made a strategic error by focusing their efforts on Mark Webber’s race, who was a distant competitor to Vettel, instead of fully prioritizing Alonso’s position. The result was that Alonso finished the race in seventh, falling short of the points required to secure the title.
In the end, Sebastian Vettel, who had started the race with a significant points deficit, managed to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and secure his first World Championship, while Alonso and Ferrari were left to lament what could have been. For Montezemolo, the pain of that missed opportunity still lingers, and he openly admits that he still feels regret when reflecting on that moment.
Montezemolo Reflects on the Pain of 2010
During an appearance on Rai Radio 1’s “La Politica nel Pallone” program, Luca di Montezemolo shared his thoughts on the 2010 season and how it remains a painful memory. He expressed his deep regret about what transpired in Abu Dhabi and how close Ferrari had been to securing the championship.
“I still feel bad when I think of Alonso in 2010,” Montezemolo admitted. “Fourth place would have been enough for us that day.”
The reference to “fourth place” alludes to the fact that had Alonso finished in the top four in Abu Dhabi, he would have accumulated enough points to overtake Vettel and claim the title. Instead, Alonso’s inability to pass Petrov, combined with the strategic errors and Vettel’s remarkable performance, led to Ferrari’s heart-wrenching defeat. Montezemolo’s words reflect not just the disappointment of losing the title but also the sense that victory was within reach, making it all the more painful.
Montezemolo’s comments underline the emotional toll that moments like these take on those involved. As the head of Ferrari during this period, Montezemolo was deeply invested in the team’s success, and the pain of falling short in 2010 continues to be a raw subject. It’s clear that the 2010 season will forever be a “what if” in Ferrari’s modern history.
The 2007 Championship and a Continuing Legacy
While the 2010 season remains a poignant memory, it’s worth noting that Ferrari has had its fair share of triumphs under Montezemolo’s leadership, most notably the 2007 World Championship with Kimi Räikkönen. That year, Ferrari secured both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, marking their first driver’s title since Michael Schumacher’s reign ended in 2004.
In many ways, the 2007 championship seemed to be the culmination of years of hard work and strategy by Ferrari. Räikkönen’s triumph was a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to excellence, and it was a moment that Montezemolo undoubtedly cherished. However, the years that followed the 2007 success were marked by frustration and inconsistency, with Ferrari coming close to additional titles but always falling short, particularly in 2010.
Montezemolo’s time at Ferrari wasn’t without its challenges, and the team faced significant competition from other top teams, such as McLaren and Red Bull Racing. The rivalry between Ferrari and Red Bull, in particular, was fierce, and it’s no surprise that 2010 remains such a painful chapter in Ferrari’s history. Despite having a capable driver in Alonso and a competitive car, strategic errors and bad luck led to what many consider to be a missed opportunity.
Ferrari’s 2024 Season: A Positive Step Forward
Despite the disappointments of the past, Montezemolo remains hopeful about Ferrari’s future. In his interview, he also took time to reflect on Ferrari’s performance in the 2024 season, noting the progress the team has made in recent months. While the season was a rollercoaster, with some ups and downs, Montezemolo believes that Ferrari has made important strides toward returning to the top.
“Finally, there is positive progress,” Montezemolo said when discussing Ferrari’s 2024 campaign. “Ferrari came into a position to win in the last part of the season. They had a very up-and-down season this year, but they fought until the end for the Constructors’ Championship.”
Montezemolo praised Ferrari for showing resilience in the second half of the season and fighting until the very end for the Constructors’ Championship, despite the challenges they faced earlier in the year. He was particularly impressed by the performance of Lando Norris in the final race, noting that the young driver had shown real promise. At the same time, Montezemolo acknowledged Ferrari’s own progress, calling it a “huge step forward.”
A key takeaway from Montezemolo’s analysis is the belief that Ferrari is building a strong foundation for the future. He emphasized that a lot of work has gone into making improvements, and there is reason to be optimistic for the seasons to come. “A good foundation has been created for next season,” he said, hinting at a brighter future for the team in 2025 and beyond.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and 2026
Montezemolo’s comments about the future of Ferrari are filled with optimism. With a solid base in place, he hopes that the team will have a breakthrough year in 2025, perhaps even competing for the championship once again. However, Montezemolo is also aware that the nature of Formula 1 means that everything can change from year to year, particularly with the introduction of new regulations.
“2025 will be our year,” he stated confidently. “In 2026, everything will start from scratch.”
Montezemolo’s belief in the team’s future is rooted in the idea that Ferrari has the talent and resources to challenge for titles in the coming years. He understands the challenges of F1, but he also knows that Ferrari has a rich legacy of success, and that legacy will continue to fuel the team’s drive for excellence.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future
Luca di Montezemolo’s reflections on Ferrari’s 2010 season and his optimistic outlook for the team’s future show a man who is deeply passionate about the Scuderia and its legacy. The pain of the 2010 season is something that will always be a part of Ferrari’s history, but Montezemolo is determined not to let that define the team’s future. With positive progress in the 2024 season and a hopeful outlook for 2025 and 2026, it seems that Ferrari’s journey is far from over.
Montezemolo’s tenure at Ferrari was filled with both triumph and disappointment, but his belief in the team’s ability to bounce back is unwavering. The 2010 heartbreak is a reminder of how close Ferrari came to glory, but it also serves as motivation for future success. For Montezemolo, the past is a lesson, and the future holds the promise of redemption.
Photographer: Ferrari
