Ferrari has returned as the second force in the championship, but the gap to Mercedes remains a heavy weight that is difficult to ignore. The SF-26 shines at the start, shows promising glimpses, and confirms itself as the only real rival to the W17, but as soon as the race stabilizes, the German car pulls away with an ease that leaves a bitter taste.
This distance is not measured just in tenths of a second but in sensations: that of a team capable of fighting but not truly winning. Luca di Montezemolo, who lived through Ferrari’s golden era, observes from the outside and does not hide his disappointment.
A gap heavier than the results
The SF-26 is impressive off the line, perhaps the best in the first meters, but after the initial rush, the Mercedes W17 pulls away with painful ease. Ferrari remains the only credible rival, yet often seems like a spectator as the German car disappears into the distance. Luca di Montezemolo does not hide the truth: the gap is evident and, above all, it is not the mark of a team aiming for the title.
“I’m sorry to say it, but they have a good car, not one capable of winning the world championship.”
These are harsh words coming from someone who built a Ferrari used to fighting for everything until the last race.
“What hurts me most is that in the last ten years, they have never managed to arrive at the final race still in contention. In my time, we lost eleven championships at the very last moment. I remember them as punches in the stomach, but at least we were there fighting.”
When asked if the gap can be closed, his response remains cautious:
“The distance is impressive, but those chasing can improve.”
Antonelli, the lost talent: a still open wound
The discussion moves to Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old winner in Shanghai, whom Ferrari years ago did not consider ready. A decision that weighs heavily today, especially seeing him win with Mercedes.
Montezemolo does not hide his emotion and regret:
“His victory moved me.”
“He’s a 19-year-old in constant growth. He had some difficulties at the start, but he didn’t get discouraged, took the lead, and drove the race without hesitation, taking risks only at the end.”
Then the jab:
“He showed maturity and composure, qualities unusual for an Italian, especially someone his age. He has his feet on the ground, and I hope he stays that way, because the potential is all there. But it was a bit annoying to see him in a Mercedes.”
Antonelli, who grew up near Maranello, had no contacts with Ferrari: he was considered too young.
Luca di Montezemolo explains:
“The situation today is different: they don’t just look at karting results, but also simulator data. That’s where the drivers are prepared.”
He adds:
“It’s easier to select very young drivers. The only one who impressed me back then was Verstappen: at 12, he was the strongest of all.”
Finally, the deepest reflection:
“Taking someone like Antonelli and putting him straight into Ferrari would have meant destroying him.”
Not nostalgia, but clarity
Luca di Montezemolo is not speaking out of nostalgia but of clarity. Ferrari is strong, but not strong enough. It’s second, but too far behind. It has talent, but not the kind that is currently winning with Mercedes.
The real gap is not only technical; it is cultural. And until Ferrari returns to fight until the last race, every season — even the best — will always feel like a missed opportunity.
Luca di Montezemolo’s critique therefore highlights the psychological barrier Ferrari must break to transition from “best of the rest” to true world champions. While the SF-26 has the foundational speed to keep the Silver Arrows in sight, it lacks the sustained endurance to snatch the crown. Based on the content of Montezemolo’s observations, the 2026 season remains a journey of “what ifs” as the paddock moves toward Japan.
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