Former Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo appointed to McLaren

At 77, Luca di Montezemolo is clearly preparing to embark on a major new project. Present at the Bahrain Grand Prix at the start of the season, the Italian had a connection with the Woking team, or at least, with the group that manages its activities. Appearing in a file filed by McLaren Group Holdings Ltd this Friday, the former member of the team Classic Ferrari for sale becomes director of the British company. This holding company is in fact co-owner of McLaren Group, itself having shares in the company Mclaren racing, exploiting in particular the Formula 1 and other racing teams in different categories.

While Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, still holds the majority of shares in McLaren Group and McLaren Racing, several reorganizations have recently taken place within the structure. Paul Walsh, the group's chairman, joined the board this week, while Nick Collins has been CEO of McLaren Automotive for the past few weeks. He now sits alongside Luca di Montezemolo.

The thousand lives of the Italian before McLaren

Born in Emilia-Romagna, Luca di Montezemolo has long held numerous senior roles within the Ferrari family. In 1973, he joined the Prancing Horse brand as Enzo Ferrari's assistant. Having notably contributed to the Scuderia's success during the Niki Lauda era, the Italian returned to Ferrari in the early 90s to succeed Enzo Ferrari as chairman after his death.

Among his most notable decisions, the recruitment of Jean Todt, that of Michael Schumacher, or Ross Brawn, will have marked his years at the head of the firm with the prancing horse. In 2014, he left his post to be replaced by Sergio Marchionne. Furthermore, president of Fiat between 2004 and 2010, and of Maserati between 1997 and 2005, Luca di Montezemolo does not seem to be directly involved in the F1-related activities of the McLaren group. On the other hand, his extensive experience in the world of automobiles and luxury goods in particular – investing in several companies in the sector, in addition to having been a director of Kering from 2005 to 2016 – corresponds to McLaren's aspirations in this area. “The high-performance and luxury sectors, setting a new benchmark of excellence and transforming McLaren into a highly successful British automotive company on the world stage.” CYVN Holdings, owner of the brand, recently communicated.

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