Luca di Montezemolo's Veiled Dig: Is Ferrari Missing the Carlos Sainz Effect?

Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, without directly naming Lewis Hamilton, has cryptically indicated dissatisfaction with the team's current trajectory, emphasizing the strong synergy he observed between Charles Leclerc and former teammate Carlos Sainz. While not explicitly critical of Hamilton, Montezemolo's comments suggest he believes changes are needed to restore Ferrari's competitive edge, particularly as he lauded Max Verstappen as the undeniable number one driver in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Montezemolo's remarks, subtle yet pointed, highlight a potential underlying concern within Ferrari's former leadership regarding the team's current driver lineup and strategic direction. With Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari for 2025, any perceived instability or questioning of the team's choices, particularly in light of Sainz's recent podium finish with Williams, could create unnecessary pressure and scrutiny, impacting team morale and future performance.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: Since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has yet to find consistent form. His sole highlight has been a surprise sprint win in China, but he has struggled to adapt to the car's characteristics and engine, failing to secure a Grand Prix podium. His best finishes are three P4s.
• Leclerc's Performance: In contrast, teammate Charles Leclerc has secured five podium finishes this season, placing him 44 points ahead of Hamilton in the Drivers' standings (fifth and sixth respectively).
• Sainz's Post-Ferrari Success: After being replaced by Hamilton, Carlos Sainz signed with Williams. He recently achieved Williams' first full-points podium since 2017, finishing third in Baku and earning 'Driver of the Day' honors, despite a brief battle with George Russell.
• Montezemolo's Endorsement of Sainz: Montezemolo praised the "very good couple" of Sainz and Leclerc, who he noted nearly clinched the Constructors' Championship for Ferrari last season. His admiration for Sainz is clear in his comments.
• Verstappen's Dominance: Montezemolo unequivocally named Max Verstappen as "by far the number one" driver, citing his consistent control, speed, and error-free performance, even in challenging conditions like Baku.

Between the lines:

Montezemolo's veiled comments, made in the context of Hamilton's struggles and Sainz's recent success, can be interpreted as a critique of Ferrari's decision to replace Sainz. While not directly naming Hamilton, his emphasis on the "synergy" between Leclerc and Sainz, coupled with his strong stance on leadership changes, suggests he believes Ferrari may have sacrificed a proven team dynamic for a high-profile, but currently underperforming, acquisition.

What's next:

With Hamilton's current struggles at Ferrari and Sainz finding form at Williams, the spotlight will intensify on Ferrari's 2025 season. The team will need to quickly integrate Hamilton and ensure he can extract maximum performance from the car to justify the strategic shift. If Hamilton continues to struggle or Sainz continues to impress, Montezemolo's 'veiled dig' could evolve into more direct criticism, adding significant pressure on Ferrari's management to deliver championship-contending results.