Ferrari boss pays tribute to Hamilton
Massa was seconds away from taking the drivers' title, but Ferrari had to make do with their 16th constructors' title
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Monday, 03, Nov 2008 10:55
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has paid tribute to Britain's Lewis Hamilton following his formula one triumph in Brazil.
Di Montezemolo could scarcely believe what he saw when Hamilton passed Toyota's Timo Glock on the final bend, to snatch the drivers' championship from Ferrari's Felipe Massa.
"In all my years in Formula One, I haven't seen such an incredibly exciting finish to a championship," di Montezemolo said.
"I would like to send my congratulations to Lewis, the youngest ever world champion in the history of Formula One.
"He was a very powerful rival, and his win, close though it was, was well deserved."
Di Montezemolo gracious statement was sign that the bad blood between Ferrari and Hamilton's McLaren team, which engulfed last seasons championship, is firmly in the past.
The Ferrari boss warned, however, that Hamilton will have it all to do next season if he wants to retain his title.
"He'll have the number one on his car next season, but he can rest assured of one thing, we'll be doing our very best to put it back on a Ferrari."
Di Montezemolo also paid tribute to his own number one driver Massa, who was seconds away from an unlikely victory.
"Felipe is in my thoughts as he crossed the finish line yesterday as world champion, only to see the title slip through his fingers a few seconds later," added Di Montezemolo.
"I can only imagine how painful that moment must have been for him.
"However, I would like to give him my very special compliments, not only for dominating the running out there on the track in front of his fans and for proving he is worthy indeed of the world title.
"But also for his maturity and sportsmanship off the track. He's a great champion and a great man."