Ferrari President Luca Montezemolo criticizes Felipe Massa
The President of the Italian giants, Luca di Montezemolo, wouldn’t be noted for his diplomatic skills as he took a swig at this season’s second best Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa.
Massa, after being seen struggling throughout the course of this season, managed to finish a mediocre 6th in the drivers’ standings this season. The Brazilian’s teammate Fernando Alonso, making his debut for the scarlet team this term, was extremely
impressive – The Spaniard missed out on the championship on the final race of the season.
Alonso’s sheer speed greatly aided by the introduction of Ferrari F-duct suggested that Ferrari had gotten the formula right this term as they were able to mix it up with the top candidates for the constructors’ championship.
Massa debatably made some positive inroads since joining the Italian team as he finished runner up in the drivers’ standings 2 years ago. The Brazilian was set to make an impact on his comeback trail this year, after his horrific accident last season. Recovering
from serious head injuries, it was expected that the Ferrari driver would soon be back to winning ways and complement the new signing, Fernando Alonso.
Montezemolo commented to the Italian journalists, "At a certain point in the season, Felipe was fed up and sent his brother. For this Felipe gets seven minus. For Alonso, in his first season in Ferrari, I give him nine and a half. But unfortunately even
he didn't win."
However, the president wasn’t done bashing a mere individual. The Italian went on to rate the team, giving it an 8 – Now, for any regular constructors, this would have been a respectable number. However, knowing Ferrari with its rich history and overall
expectations attached every coming year, if only it was a realization that they came out empty handed. Montezemolo wasn’t completely critical though. The president commended the team for its determination and overall commitment.
“We were disappointed, there’s no point denying it. But, realistically, it was more bitter in 2008, when Felipe crossed the finish line as world champion. From 1997 onwards, except 2005 and 2009, we have either won or lost at the last race.”
The Italian further flaunted the consistency of the scarlet team as he reasoned that over the years, competition has come and gone. The combo of Montoya and Williams in 2003; followed by McLaren and Renault knocking at the door in 2005 and now Red Bull leading
the ‘resistance’ – The only common factor in all these periods has been the consistent involvement of Ferrari and the level of intensity that they have been able to bring to the table.
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