Former Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has spoken out regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Scuderia's management of team orders during the recent Dutch Grand Prix. The situation, which involved drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, has sparked significant discussion in the Formula 1 community, particularly as Ferrari prepares for its home race at Monza.
During the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc became a focal point when Hamilton, who was gaining on Leclerc, was not given the opportunity to challenge for a podium finish. The Ferrari team ultimately decided to separate the two drivers through strategy, but by that time, Hamilton's chance to secure a top-three position had largely evaporated.
In an interview with Quotidiano Nazionale, Montezemolo addressed the backlash directed at current team principal Fred Vasseur for his handling of the situation. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond the events at Zandvoort, raising concerns about Vasseur's support within the organization when it comes to making tough decisions. Montezemolo expressed his belief that Vasseur may be feeling isolated and could lack the necessary backing for making potentially unpopular calls.
Montezemolo drew parallels to a controversial incident from his own tenure at Ferrari, specifically referencing the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix. During that race, team orders were issued for Michael Schumacher to win, with Rubens Barrichello instructed to yield his position. Montezemolo recalled how he had to intervene personally to reinforce the authority of then-team principal Jean Todt, making it clear to Barrichello that team decisions were paramount, and any dissent could lead him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“After the last race in the Netherlands, I heard criticism of Fred Vasseur because he had not issued team orders between Hamilton and Leclerc. However, beyond that particular episode, we should all ask ourselves who the French manager can turn to within the company. I sense Vasseur’s isolation. Who would have his back if he had to make a decision, perhaps even an unpopular one?” Montezemolo remarked.
In addition to Montezemolo's comments, former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has also weighed in on the matter, criticizing Leclerc for not following Ferrari's instructions to pit ahead of Hamilton. Montoya compared this to Mercedes' handling of their drivers during the same race, where George Russell allowed Kimi Antonelli to pass in pursuit of eventual winner Lando Norris. He believes that Leclerc's refusal to comply with team orders could undermine Ferrari's authority and create unnecessary friction within the team.
While Montoya does not think Hamilton would have finished on the podium, he argues that the seven-time world champion was deprived of the best possible chance after expending his tires in an attempt to overtake Leclerc. He suggested that Ferrari should have established a clear performance target for Leclerc and set a limited number of laps for him to increase his pace before any positional changes were made. Despite the tensions that can arise between teammates, Montoya views such dynamics as a normal aspect of Formula 1, noting that relationships do not always have to be harmonious, even if they appear so on social media.
Leave a Comment