Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has warned that Formula 1's increasing regulation is eroding the sport's "emotion" and natural excitement.
Montezemolo, who oversaw Ferrari through legendary eras featuring Niki Lauda, Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, and Fernando Alonso, believes modern F1 is too focused on policing every detail, particularly hard racing and track limits.
"F1 should be made up of healthy duels," the 77-year-old told Rai Gr Parlamento radio. "What would they have done in the duel between Villeneuve and (Rene) Arnoux? Would they have put them in jail?
"I think today, we are exaggerating, both in terms of physical contact and in going beyond the lines of the track," Montezemolo continued. "In other words, Formula 1 is becoming a precision watch.
"But we must leave room for emotion, courage and the ability of the drivers to not obsess about millimetres. It is one of the points on which to reflect and change things a bit."
Montezemolo's reference to the famous 1979 French Grand Prix duel between Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux highlights his belief that hard racing is part of F1's DNA and should not be overly punished by modern stewards.
The former Ferrari chief was also asked about another prominent Italian figure returning to the F1 spotlight—Flavio Briatore. Briatore, now a senior advisor at Alpine, is aiming to help the French team rise back to the front of the grid.
"No one should forget that Flavio worked miracles with Benetton," Montezemolo said. "Luca de Meo made the right choice in taking him to Alpine, and I'm happy for him, even if the road to victory is long.
"I've seen some good races by (Pierre) Gasly, but it's not enough. However, I think that next year they will improve."
