Di Montezemolo: Ferrari have been lucky

Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes that the Scuderia are guaranteed podium finishes this season due to their rivals' poor form.

The Scuderia have enjoyed something of a revival this season, having already picked up 107 points this season, nearly half the amount they scored across the entire 2014 campaign.

After featuring on the podium just twice last season, the Italian outfit have secured a top-three finish at every race this term, with Sebastian Vettel claiming victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"I honestly think they [Ferrari] have been a bit lucky: This year, apart from Mercedes, they have no other rivals," Di Montezemolo has been quoted as telling La Repubblica.

"Williams has not improved and Red Bull has imploded – I know that (Dietrich) Mateschitz is thinking of selling – 'I either convince Audi to enter or I'm leaving,' a mutual friend has told me – and McLaren is in crisis…

"In short, Ferrari starts every race with a podium in its pocket. But luck is useless if you don't take advantage of it."

The Italian's comments regarding Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz come as little surprise, with the Austrian having made no secret of his anger with the poor performance of Renault's engines this season.

Di Montezemolo also spoke about Vettel's move to Ferrari, revealing that it was Michael Schumacher who first suggested the team sign his compatriot.

"He [Schumacher] told me 'The right driver for you is Seb'," he said.

"[Former Ferrari team boss Stefano] Domenicali wanted him at all costs and brought him to my Bologna home. He arrived with Swiss chocolate.

"He was already a World Champion."

He went on to sayy that when "Marchionne saw Alonso had become gloomy and surly and was always showing scepticism with the team, we decided for the change.

"Vettel certainly gets [paid] less than what Alonso asked for his renewal [of his contract].

"And then he has strongly helped Arrivabene, who is a man with great personality, to impose a new, better, and more positive mood."