" I always say to my people, ‘If you don’t sell a Ferrari to a football player, you make a big present to me.’ Really. Because they buy to just show off. I don’t like. "
- Luca Cordero di Montezemolo

In the given statement, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo expresses his frustration with selling high-end luxury cars like Ferraris to individuals who purchase them primarily to showcase their wealth and status rather than for genuine appreciation or enjoyment. His viewpoint suggests that such transactions hold little value in terms of emotional satisfaction or true consumer engagement.

On a deeper level, this quote highlights the often superficial motivations behind some purchases and the disconnect between the act of buying an expensive item and genuine personal fulfillment. Montezemolo implies that when someone buys an extravagant car merely to flaunt it rather than for its intrinsic qualities or utility, such as performance or design, there is a lack of meaningful engagement with the product. This perspective critiques the culture of conspicuous consumption where individuals prioritize social status over personal satisfaction in their purchasing decisions.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo is an Italian businessman and former CEO of Ferrari, known for his extensive experience in luxury car manufacturing and management. He has held prominent roles not only at Ferrari but also served as president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) from 2009 to 2017, where he worked towards improving road safety and sports car regulations globally.