Luca di Montezemolo disappointed not to see Mick Schumacher as Ferrari reserve driver. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo on Mick Schumacher leaving the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo expresses his “disappointment” with a former Ferrari driver, stating that he had hoped to see him in another role within the team.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo is known for his long-standing connection with Ferrari. The entrepreneur served as the sports director of the team in 1974 when the duo of Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni were present. Later, he became the president of Ferrari from 1991 to 2014.

Throughout his career, the Italian businessman has witnessed Formula 1 legends pass through Ferrari. His close bond with Michael Schumacher is unforgettable; alongside the German, the former politician created a golden era for the Maranello team.

In an interview with the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello sport, Luca di Montezemolo reminisced about the Ferrari days, specifically discussing the successes achieved with the seven-time world champion. Then, the Italian entrepreneur touched upon a sore point, revealing that he was “disappointed” by a former promising Ferrari driver.

“I am disappointed that Mick Schumacher did not become the third driver for Ferrari. He would have been perfect for this job.” – he pointed out.

The son of the legendary Michael Schumacher was dropped by Haas at the end of the 2022 Formula One season, and Nico Hulkenberg took his place. Subsequently, the young Mick left the Ferrari Driver Academy in December 2022.

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Toto Wolff wasted no time in signing him as the third driver for Mercedes, the same team that welcomed his father from 2010 to 2012 (and with which he concluded his Formula 1 career).

While Luca Cordero di Montezemolo expressed disappointment in young Schumi, Toto Wolff does not share the same sentiment. The Mercedes boss praised Mick’s work in the simulator, explaining how he contributed “to improving the performance work of the car on the track.”

The third-driver contract also extends to Williams and McLaren, as both teams are in partnership with Mercedes.