Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo is not yet convinced that the team can seriously compete for the world championship this season. He believes that a handful of victories and podium finishes are not enough to speak of a real title fight. Ferrari had a strong start to the 2026 season, but has not yet been able to challenge Mercedes, which won the first three Grands Prix in a row. The upcoming upgrades will be crucial for the world championship.
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After the Japanese GP, Lewis Hamilton stated that Ferrari was ‘miles behind’ Mercedes. The Scuderia has pinned its hopes on future upgrades to close the gap to the German team. Reportedly, the team is testing a number of new components during the spring break in April. A special filming day is said to be scheduled at Monza. The well-known ‘macarena wing’, which Ferrari has tested several times already, is also to be prepared there for a race debut.
‘A few wins and podiums are not enough’
According to Di Montezemolo, these upgrades will show whether Ferrari can finally make a bid for the world championship this year. “I saw a good car in the first three races,” he stated in a broadcast of La politica nel pallone. “It looks reliable and consistent, but cannot win a world championship yet; more power is needed for that. It will be decisive to what extent the team can further develop the engine.”
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“After so many years, it is not enough to win a few races or be satisfied with a podium finish,” the Italian stated sharply. “You have to win the championship. Hopefully, the developments will result in a car that can truly compete at the front. In Miami, the entire championship is reset. Everyone has a month, so I hope Ferrari has the resources to get the car in order.”
Luca di Montezemolo was the head of Ferrari between 1991 and 2014. During his tenure, he breathed new life into both the Formula 1 team and the car manufacturer. Under his leadership, the Scuderia won multiple constructors’ and drivers’ titles, most notably with the legendary Michael Schumacher. In 2014, Di Montezemolo stepped down following increasing tensions with his intended successor, FIAT-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.
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