Montezemolo clarifies role at McLaren: “My heart is still red, I won’t be involved in F1”. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo joins McLaren Automotive’s board.

A new beginning
Seeing the official document from the UK’s Companies House confirming the appointment of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo as director of the McLaren holding company was certainly striking. After a lifetime at Ferrari, watching the 77-year-old from Bologna accept an offer from one of the historic rivals of the Prancing Horse in Formula 1 definitely hit Ferrari fans emotionally.

As reported last night by RMC Motori and as could be inferred from McLaren’s corporate structure, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo will not be involved in racing but will join the board of directors of the company’s GT and Supercar division.

The Italian executive has been appointed by McLaren Group Holdings Limited, owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, which only holds a minority stake in McLaren Racing (the majority of which is controlled by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund).

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s clarification
Speaking to ANSA, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo confirmed this interpretation, commenting on his new role as follows: “My heart is and will always be red. I’ve joined the board of McLaren Automotive, which produces road cars and is not involved in Formula 1,” eliminating any doubts about his personal involvement in McLaren’s racing division.