Your www.carshowroom.com.au correspondent has twice met Luca di Montezemolo who last night resigned as Chairman of Ferrari and can confirm he is the most passionate and engaging automotive company executive we’ve met in more than 30 years in this business.
For example, decades ago we attended an intimate F1 media gathering with Ferrari brass at a small hotel near the Silverstone circuit, home of the British Grand Prix and had to leave early to get back to London. One problem was a Ferrari – Di Montezemolo’s Ferrari – was double-parked and blocking our Nissan Almera.
No worries – Di Montezemolo himself came out keys in hand, apologized, slapped us on the back and talked about Ferrari, F1, Aussie great Alan Jones, his friend Niki Lauda and all sorts of things while the rest of the group inside were kept waiting. All while looking you directly in the eye.
And this is a man who for some years worked side-by-side with Enzo Ferrari himself.
We can think of many small-time Australian car company executives who aren’t so personable even today.
The ‘Conspiracy Theorists’ say Di Montezemelo was eased out of Ferrari after criticizing the current F1 engines after unspectacular home Grand Prix at Monza last weekend.
But the official line is he has vacated the Chairman’s office for Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne to take over ahead of Ferrari’s upcoming float on Wall Street.
It’s widely known that Di Montezemelo and Marchionne had differing views on the future of Ferrari.
Typical of Di Montezemelo’s class, last night he issued an emotional statement on his exit in which he thanked the Ferrari workers, suppliers and customers.
Ciao Luca – your leadership has played a huge part in Ferrari’s current success. Enzo would be proud.
