Luca Di Montezemolo has a lot to smile about these days. It is almost certain that the 61-year-old Italian businessman and president of Ferrari probably flashes his pearly-whites at just about everyone.
And why not?
Since taking over at Ferrari in 1991, Di Montezemolo has not only revitalized the struggling company's road car endeavors, but also returned it to its once fabled position as the juggernaut of Formula One. With a personal net worth exceeding $400M, his accomplishments speak for themselves, and it's not going to stop any time soon.
He is particularly noteworthy when one considers that it is ultimately his word that dictates who slides behind the wheel of either of his multimillion dollar F2008 Formula One cars.
His word, thus far, has dictated that Finnish phenom Kimi Raikkonen pilot the first of the Italian squad's craft. Fresh from McLaren, the Finn's maiden season with the Scuderia in 2007 produced not only the WDC (World Drivers Championship) but the WCC (World Constructors Championship) as well.
The appropriately named Iceman delivered an unbelievable underdog performance in the second half of the season to drag the two McLaren-Mercedes of rookie Lewis Hamilton and then-reigning and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso all the way to the final race in Brazil.
When the smoke cleared Raikkonen stood victorious and proved what he and others had said all along: he always had the talent, he just needed the car.
Brazilian sensation Felipe Massa occupies the second F2008 cockpit, and after putting in his own strong bid for the 2007 WDC was content to play Robin to Raikkonen's Batman.
In doing so he enabled Raikkonen to win at the season-ending finale at Sao Paulo. The duo did it in grand style, completely dominating the competition.
Immediately following the race both were offered extensions to already impressive contracts: Massa through 2010, Raikkonen through 2009.
But it's lonely at the top, and being at the top of Formula One is no different.
During the offseason, Fernando Alonso, double world champion and the wayward son of Renault, returned to the French squad amidst rumors of a contractual caveat that would allow him to leave Renault at the end of 2008.
Media outlets, Alonso fan boys, and even Fernando himself all fueled the fire that he would join the Scuderia for the 2009 season. At the same time Kimi Raikkonen announced his hopes that Ferrari would be his last team in Formula One.
The beginning of the 2008 season saw a continuation of the Alonso-at-Ferrari rumor despite Di Montezemolo politely acknowledging that, while Fernando was a great driver, he wasn't exactly Ferrari material.
Nonetheless, the rumors persisted. For those who insist it's going to happen, here's a brief rundown on why it's not going to happen:
- Both Raikkonen and Felipe have already proved themselves worthy drivers behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula One car. If you doubt that, I encourage disbelievers to take a gander at the three-way tie in the Drivers Championship. How many McLaren-Mercedes are there? Ferraris? Of the front-running teams, Ferrari is the only one to have both drivers in heavy contention.
- Raikkonen's contract with Ferrari does not end until the end of the 2009 season.
- Massa's contract with Ferrari does not end until the end of the 2010 season.
- Fernando Alonso has proved time and again that he is not a team player, a trait that landed Massa his contract extension following last year's season finale in his home race.
- Fernando Alonso teamed with rookie Lewis Hamilton. The result was epic failure. Pairing Alonso with either Raikkonen or Massa will produce different results? Unlikely.
- Di Montezemolo has already flatly denied any interest in Fernando Alonso. Instead, the apple of Ferrari's eye appears to be young Sebastian Vettel.
- Kimi Raikkonen has already plainly stated that while he will probably retire soon, his contract does not expire until the end of the 2009 season.
The 2008 season has been full of surprises and idle chit-chat.
Who would have guessed that Felipe Massa, anything but perfect at the season opener, would be tied for first place following the mid-season Silverstone race?
Who, also, would have wagered a guess that both Ferrari drivers would be tied for first at the same point?
And so it is that we enter the second half of the 2008 season with Ferrari holding a commanding lead in the WCC and both drivers gunning for that all-important WDC.
Could we see a repeat of the 2007 second half? Will Raikkonen and Massa once again paint the town (Ferrari) red?
That is a pair of questions that even Luca Di Montezemolo would be hard-pressed to answer, but one thing is abundantly clear: he has plenty to smile about.
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3 months ago
I don't think he will smile if Ferrari don't take a championship. Kimi and Felipe are equal in points, but this is not situation that both Ferraris are on top, and they don't fight only against each other this year. I think they should give advantage to Kimi, it's big money on him. Cause this is not situation like we had in 1996 when both Williams fighted for title without any danger from other teams.
But as far as i know, Räikkönen told that in November 2006 that Ferrari will be his last team, and from other sources i know he wont continue to race after 2009. Specialy not if he lose the title this year.
from 3 months ago
I can most certainly agree that ol' Luca will be the exact opposite of smiles if neither driver takes the WDC. My main point was simply that Ferrari could be in a much worse position than they are now. They have a nice lead in the WCC and both drivers are in contention. Both can't win, obviously, but it's better than neither being in contention. Additionally, this is the time of year that Kimi really warms up.
I also heard the same that unless Kimi wins another championship this year or next... he's gone.
3 months ago
Good article Rob but dont write off my boys just yet ... Heikki is just finding his feet and Lewis ... Well you watched Silverstone didnt you ? Its going to be a great season and rest assured McLaren know they are right up against it ... The big red machine is tough and very very fast, seems as though the common denominator is "STRATEGY" ... Something Ferrari have lost since Brawn left ... They will find their feet, they always do ... If all of the Ferrari team rolled around in horse manure they would come out smelling of roses, thats the way the cookie crumbles, but fair play to them. As a McLaren fan I obviously hate them but I have the HIGEST regard for them, I respect them and I know they are an AMAZING team. So yes ... Life is always brighter in red, us McLaren fans live constantly in your shadow so thats why I revel in beating you, ha ha ... Good article Rob keep it up mate.
from 3 months ago
I have nothing but respect for Ferrari and Mc-Merc. Honestly, however, my heart belongs to the boys in blue of which Heidfeld did an amazing job. I'm not writing anyone off yet, however, it seems that many would like to believe that Fernando Alonso has a shot at a seat with the Reds. The article was mainly aimed at them... I personally dislike Fernando Alonso and find him to be an insufferable toolbox. I will give him credit, however, for his contributions and successes to the sport and that he seems to be a bit more humbled this year than in those previous.
from 3 months ago
YES YES YES AND YES ... Go on !
Fernando is such an idiot and it would be terrible for him to get a drive for Ferrari ... Anyway, its not a problem, he never will, he has burnt his bridges ! He isnt a team player and lets be honest, no one wants that ...
But yes on the flipside, fairplay to him this year, he has calmed down a lot and I suppose youcant take it away from him, he is a great driver !
2 months ago
Benny, my friend, you can hate Alonso as long as you want, but you can't denied the fact that he is best driver on the grid, the most complete driver (well....in perfect world he would drive for imaginery championship car with no team mate and rules at all), but on circuit, he's amazing. Like i said before, as long Ferrari see championship potential in him they will bring him in the team.
I just wonder, you as a McLaren fan, how would you react to see British driver in Ferrari who fighting for world champion crown?
2 months ago
Hamilton is der wunderkind. Jah.
Kimi is a great driver if he's interested, he is a balanced human, bad for a race driver.
Massa is a great team driver and absolutely abysmal in the wet as he didn't need to prove again.
Alonso is the best driver since Schumacher and will grow up. He is passionate and consumed by his driving. Being a little pisspot last year at M-M will in the end help him grow up. I am one of his biggest fans, but he is a bit of an embarassment when he gets his boil up.He is the most complete driver on the grid now, period. He is also reluctantly growing up. He will indeed one day be in the red car and Ferrari lovers will love him, too as he will continue to grow up and become even better.
Only question? FA for Ferrari in 2009 or 2010, it's as simple as that.
about 1 month ago
Do you still think Luca is showing his pearly whites to everyone in sight or crying copious tears, need your honest to grace opinion
about 1 month ago
i think he's still just as happy as ever... look at felipe go. ;)
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