Luca Cordero di Montezemolo did not hold back when speaking about the new Ferrari Luce.
The launch of Ferrari Luce – Ferrari’s first fully electric car – has seemingly disappointed almost everyone. Between harsh criticism and a stock market drop, the Prancing Horse’s first EV has struggled to convince fans and observers alike. Despite the major social media campaign led by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s latest creation has raised more doubts than enthusiasm. Among the many criticisms, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s comments stood out for their bluntness toward Ferrari’s current leadership.
Criticism from every direction
The Luce managed a rare feat in Italy: uniting almost everyone against it, especially in political circles. To name just one example, the car was criticized on X by both Matteo Salvini (Lega, right-wind party) and Carlo Calenda (Azione, left-wing party) . Salvini described it as “electric, incredibly expensive (€550,000), and aesthetically… it speaks for itself.” Calenda echoed the sentiment, saying: “A technological and aesthetic insult to anyone who loves Ferrari — or, in my case, worked there.” Strong words, certainly, but still restrained compared to Montezemolo’s remarks.
No holding back
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s name is inseparably linked to Ferrari. The Bologna-born executive served as chairman of the company from 1991 to 2014. He oversaw Ferrari’s golden era in Formula 1, the years of Michael Schumacher, Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, when the Scuderia dominated the sport. Even after leaving Ferrari, the former chairman has never shied away from controversial opinions when asked.
The Ferrari Luce was no exception. Montezemolo described it with a cutting remark:“A car the Chinese certainly won’t copy.” He went even further, calling the model an affront to Ferrari’s heritage“If I really said what I think, I would hurt Ferrari. There is a risk of destroying a myth, and I’m deeply sorry about that.” But his final comment summed up his view most clearly:“I just hope they remove the Prancing Horse from that car.” A model greeted with widespread criticism — now the question is whether the market will eventually prove Ferrari’s executives right.
Photo: Ferrari
