Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes Lewis Hamilton would still have won the Drivers' title had he been driving for Ferrari, given the level he was at during the 2018 season.
Hamilton, who of course drives for Mercedes, became a five-time world champion this year as he beat chief rival Sebastian Vettel, with the pair closely matched throughout until the closing races of the season in which Hamilton dominated.
Montezemolo though believes had Hamilton been driving the Ferrari, he would still have triumphed as he "made the difference".
"This year Hamilton made the difference in what was his best season since his debut," said the Italian businessman.
"He has had moments of weakness and crisis [in his career], but not this year. With Ferrari he would have won.
"I say that not to belittle Vettel, who has every opportunity to rebuild with a competitive car," added Montezemolo.
Vettel made a number of mistakes which arguably cost him a fifth title, including opening lap crashes in France, Italy and the USA, as well as crashing out of the lead at his home race in Germany.
However he isn't entirely to blame according to Montezemolo: "Ferrari made a good car this year, which in some situations was even better than Mercedes. But the final part it was missing.
"Vettel made some decisive mistakes, but for the world championship you have to do everything to keep him up. He is a driver of the highest order and always close to the team. In [moments of] frustration he must be supported."
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