Ferrari Legend Weighs In on Potential Verstappen Signing as Hamilton Missing from Ferrari Lineup Talks
Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has shared his candid opinion on whether reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen would be a good fit for the Scuderia Ferrari team. The veteran motorsport executive, who led Ferrari through one of its most successful eras, offered high praise for the Red Bull driver, labeling him the undisputed number one in the sport today.
Montezemolo, now 78, played a major role in reviving Ferrari’s Formula 1 dominance during the 1990s and early 2000s. Under his leadership, the team secured multiple world championships with legendary figures like Michael Schumacher. Though he stepped down as Ferrari chairman in 2014, his influence remains deeply rooted in the team’s modern identity and operations.
Interestingly, Montezemolo has recently taken on a new position with rival manufacturer McLaren Automotive, serving as a director for McLaren Group Holdings Limited. The move has raised eyebrows among motorsport fans due to McLaren’s long-standing rivalry with Ferrari, but Montezemolo was quick to clarify that his role is purely corporate and not related to McLaren’s Formula 1 operations. Despite the new affiliation, he insists his loyalty to Ferrari remains unchanged.
Speaking during the premiere of a new documentary about his life and career titled Luca: Seeing Red, the Italian motorsport icon discussed Ferrari’s current lineup situation. During a Q&A session with British automotive journalist Chris Harris, Montezemolo was asked directly whether he would sign Verstappen if given the chance to manage Ferrari again.
Without hesitation, Montezemolo praised the Dutchman, saying: “Today, for me, Verstappen is by far the No.1 driver. Even in difficult conditions, he remains composed, fast, and mistake-free. He’s always in control, and that consistency makes him exceptional.”
Montezemolo’s admiration for Verstappen reflects what many within the Formula 1 world have come to recognize — the Red Bull driver’s dominance and mental strength. Verstappen’s recent performances have been a testament to his growth, as he continues to deliver victory after victory, often in challenging race conditions.
While Ferrari fans continue to hope for a championship comeback, the Italian team’s current driver pairing of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz has struggled to break Red Bull’s winning streak. Speculation about future lineup changes has been ongoing, especially as Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025, was notably absent from the lineup discussions at the gala event.
Montezemolo, however, refrained from commenting directly on Hamilton’s upcoming arrival or the team’s future driver plans. Instead, his remarks focused on Verstappen’s unmatched talent and his potential to elevate any team he drives for.
“I have seen many champions come and go,” Montezemolo added. “But Verstappen reminds me of the greats — drivers who are not just fast but who dominate mentally. He’s the kind of driver who brings out the best in a team.”
His statement has reignited debate among F1 enthusiasts about what a Verstappen-Ferrari partnership could look like. While such a move seems unlikely given Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull, Montezemolo’s endorsement underscores how highly respected the Dutch driver has become — even among his rivals.
