“We Underestimated Mercedes”- Former Ferrari President Reveals the Team’s Costly Mistake in 2014
Follow Us
Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo admitted that agreeing to switch to hybrid power units in 2014 was a big mistake.
The Italian revealed that Ferrari underestimated Mercedes before the introduction of the turbo-hybrid era, which cost Ferrari dearly. Montezemolo urged Ferrari to make ‘bold decisions’ if the team wanted to find their way back to their former glory.
The inception of the turbo-hybrid era saw two F1 behemoths fall and an unlikely player establish a near unparalleled dominance over the sport. The mighty Red Bull and often dominating Ferrari was and still is no match for Mercedes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will Ferrari ever dethrone Mercedes?
Mercedes is yet to lose a Championship in this current modern era of Formula 1. The Brackley-based outfit has always been one step ahead of the competition, ever since it first clinched a title in 2014.
In 2020, Mercedes arguably has no competition in the sport. Such is their level of dominance that top teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren are enduringly playing catch-up.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
But could this be because of Mercedes’ understanding of the regulations and technology better than its competitors?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Montezemolo is of the opinion that Germany had a ‘better understanding’ of the subject compared to Italy. Speaking to RadioRai, Montezemolo said.
“It was a mistake on my part to agree to the switch to hybrid engines. We underestimated that Mercedes had studied it for two years. German industry also had a culture on the subject that was completely unknown in Italy.
“When I had to go, they told me that it didn’t matter that I had a positive financial record. You had to win on the track. At least we fought until the last race in my time, even if we didn’t win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We often lost at the end – with Michael (Schumacher, 1997, 1998, 2006), but also with Irvine (1999), Massa (2008) and twice with Alonso (2010, 2012),” said Luca, as quoted by Motorsport-total.com
Ferrari is in a world of pain with pressure piling up to fix its seemingly crippled car. As the Maranello-based outfit scrambles to find a solution to its issues, Mercedes continues to raise the bar in F1.
Written by: