Former Ferrari chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, had a few choice words for the current state of Scuderia Ferrari and their perceptions of success.

Ferrari are sitting fourth in the championship standings after the SF-23 was revealed to be a misfire that struggles on race day even more than last year’s F1-75. It’s gotten to a point that Ferrari are celebrating third place finishes on race days, something that di Montezemolo believes Enzo Ferrari “would never have accepted.”

“Do you know what I find unfortunate? That they are now cheering for third place, like at Spa,” di Montezemolo told Italian outlet, Quotidiano Sportivo.

“That’s not the way Ferrari is, and the Old Man would never have accepted that, never. [Enzo] Ferrari taught me a lot. As an example, he taught me never to settle. After a win, he was always thinking about the next race.

“At the same time, it was hard work. Enzo hated holidays. In August, he kept me in the office, he was not a supporter of those who went on holiday in August. But he was also someone who love fun and had humour.”

When asked about the driver pairing, di Montezemolo had nothing but praise for Charles Leclerc, but no words for Carlos Sainz.

“Charles I would definitely want to keep, he is good in my opinion, there are no stronger drivers than him available at the moment,” di Montezemolo said.

“But who is currently driving the red car is the final problem. When I was the president, I created a Dream Team with [Michael] Schumacher, [Jean] Todt, [Ross] Brawn, and [Rory] Byrne.

“Today… look, as a fan, I don’t dream of a Ferrari that always wins, but that always fights for the title right up to and including the last race of the season, like in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

“You can lose – but as fighters, not as a sidekick.”