Ferrari cannot realistically target the 2026 Formula 1 world championship, and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has no doubts: Mercedes is operating on another level. While Ferrari continues to follow the Silver Arrows closely, the feeling is that the decisive step needed to return to winning ways in Formula 1 has not yet been achieved.
Speaking candidly, the former Ferrari president analyzed the Scuderia’s strong start to the season. According to Luca di Montezemolo, the SF-26 certainly represents a solid foundation, but it is not yet enough to fight for the title. “I’m sorry, but at least based on what we’ve seen at the start of the season, it seems they have a good car, but not enough to fight for the championship.”
Ferrari has established itself as the main challenger to Mercedes in this new regulatory era, securing two consecutive podium finishes. However, the gap to the Silver Arrows remains both evident and concerning. Luca di Montezemolo also expressed regret when reflecting on recent years: “What hurts me the most is that in the last ten years they have never reached the final race still fighting for the drivers’ title. In my time, we lost 11 championships at the last race. I remember them like punches to the stomach, but at least we were there fighting for it.”
Despite everything, there is still a glimmer of hope: “The gap is quite alarming, but those chasing can still improve, and there will be long breaks. Maybe the situation is not as settled as it seems.”
Who can help Ferrari bounce back?
According to Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari has made several mistakes in its rebuilding process, particularly in managing young drivers. The former Maranello boss pointed specifically to the case of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, fresh from his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix with Mercedes, who has now become the symbol of a decision that still raises questions.
When he was just eleven years old, Kimi Antonelli was already on Ferrari’s radar. The young Italian talent was invited to Maranello as a promising karting prospect by Massimo Rivola, who at the time led the Ferrari Driver Academy. It seemed like the beginning of a natural path, but something stopped right at the crucial moment. The final decision rested with Maurizio Arrivabene, who considered Antonelli too young to be included in Ferrari’s project.
Shortly afterward came the decisive call — from Toto Wolff, who immediately believed in the Italian’s talent. From that moment, a completely different journey began, leading to where he is today.
“I am very angry that he is not at Ferrari. I was very disappointed, I know that Massimo Rivola wanted to bring him to Maranello. He is from Bologna, and he was the team’s first choice.”
Luca di Montezemolo’s critique highlights the thin line between strategic patience and missed opportunities in the world of F1. While the SF-26 is a solid platform, the ghost of what could have been with Antonelli lingers over Maranello as they chase the dominant Mercedes. Based on the content of the current championship standings, Ferrari’s ability to maximize the upcoming development breaks will be the only way to prove their former leader’s “alarming” diagnosis wrong.
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