Archive

Scuderia Ferrari: The Evolution of a Racing Titan

Scuderia Ferrari was founded way back in 1939, before Formula 1 even existed, by Enzo Ferrari as the racing division of Alfa Romeo. Over the decades, it’s become a well-known name in motorsports, known for its performance and innovation.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The company built its first car in 1940, adopted its current name in 1945, and began to produce its current line of road cars in 1947 / Photo Ferrari
The company built its first car in 1940, adopted its current name in 1945, and began to produce its current line of road cars in 1947 / Photo Ferrari

Ferrari S.p.A., the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, was founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988).

 

The company built its first car in 1940, adopted its current name in 1945, and began to produce its current line of road cars in 1947.

 

Following World War II, as the man in charge of factory-built race cars, Enzo Ferrari moved operations from Modena to Maranello, becoming an independent manufacturer just in time to compete in the inaugural season of the FIA’s newly created World Championship.

 

The team made its Formula 1 debut in the second race of the 1950 season, and just a year later, Argentine driver José Froilán González secured Scuderia Ferrari’s first-ever victory at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.

Enzo Ferrari in Modena on the occasion of the passage of the Historic Mille Miglia / Photo Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari in Modena on the occasion of the passage of the Historic Mille Miglia / Photo Ferrari

Early Championships and Challenges

After Alfa Romeo’s two-year dominance, Ferrari clinched its first two consecutive championships with Alberto Ascari, first in 1952 and then again in 1953. 

 

However, when new regulations were introduced the following year, the team struggled to maintain its pace.

 

In 1956, the fierce competitiveness of Juan Manuel Fangio led the Italian team to another title, this time with the Lancia-Ferrari D50. 

 

Two years later, British driver Mike Hawthorn became the first World Champion from Great Britain, driving a Dino 246 powered by a V6 engine, a car named in honor of Enzo Ferrari’s late son.

Formula 1 did not introduce the Constructors’ Championship until 1958, when British manufacturer Vanwall claimed the first title, edging out Ferrari. 

 

In response to Cooper’s mid-engine revolution, Scuderia Ferrari introduced the Dino 156, famously known as the “shark nose,” which propelled Phil Hill to his 1961 title.

 

That dual triumph, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, marked the first of 16 constructors’ titles and a total of 15 drivers’ championships across more than a thousand Grands Prix.  

 

After John Surtees won the 1964 World Championship in a dramatic final race, the team endured more than a decade without another title.

The team made its Formula 1 debut in the second race of the 1950 season, and just a year later / Photo Ferrari
The team made its Formula 1 debut in the second race of the 1950 season, and just a year later / Photo Ferrari

The Resurgence with Lauda and Montezemolo

Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory began with the arrival of Luca di Montezemolo as team manager and Niki Lauda as the lead driver. 

 

Their partnership brought Scuderia Ferrari back to its former dominance, securing three consecutive Constructors’ Championships and two Drivers’ titles. 

 

Lauda claimed the championships in 1975 and 1977, and he might have won in 1976 as well if not for his near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring.

 

The death of Enzo Ferrari in 1988 shook the team to its core, forcing a complete restructuring and a search for new leadership.

Schumacher’s Golden Era

In 1996, Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari, and a year later, Technical Director Ross Brawn followed from Benetton. 

 

Michael Schumacher won seven Formula 1 World Championships during his career. He secured his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995. 

 

Later, he dominated the sport with Ferrari, winning five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. 

 

His success with Ferrari helped establish the team as a dominant force in the early 2000s, making him one of the most legendary drivers in F1 history.

 

Schumacher retired at the end of 2006, and his successor, Kimi Räikkönen, captured the title in a dramatic 2007 season finale.

His success with Ferrari helped establish the team as a dominant force in the early 2000s, making him one of the most legendary drivers in F1 history / Photo Ferrari
Schumacher success with Ferrari helped establish the team as a dominant force in the early 2000s, / Photo Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s Anticipated Debut with Scuderia Ferrari

The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Scuderia Ferrari is one of the most highly anticipated moments of the 2025 season and, arguably, of recent years in Formula 1. 

 

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasized the significance of this move, noting that the British driver is already working on adapting to the Italian culture.

 

The Unveiling of Hamilton’s First Scuderia Ferrari Car

 

The first Ferrari Formula 1 car driven by Hamilton will be revealed on February 19, just a day after the sport’s grand season launch at London’s The O2, which will commemorate F1’s 75th anniversary.

 

After the official presentation at Maranello, Scuderia Ferrari will head straight to Bahrain for three days of pre-season testing, beginning on February 26 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

 

Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, will each have one and a half days of testing in the challenging desert conditions before the season officially kicks off in Melbourne, Australia.

Who are are the best drivers in Ferrari’s history?

Ferrari has had some of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, with legends like Michael Schumacher.

 

Niki Lauda played a crucial role in Ferrari’s success in the 1970s, securing titles in 1975 and 1977.

 

Juan Manuel Fangio, though with Ferrari for only one season, won the 1956 championship and cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s finest.

 

Alberto Ascari was Ferrari’s first dominant driver, winning back-to-back titles in 1952 and 1953.

 

In more recent times, Kimi Räikkönen delivered Ferrari’s last drivers’ championship in 2007, while Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso came close but fell short of securing another title.

 

The current generation, led by Charles Leclerc, continues to chase the dream of bringing Ferrari back to championship glory along with Lewis Hamilton

How many Drivers’ Championships has Ferrari won in Formula 1?

Ferrari is the most successful team in Formula 1 history, having won a total of 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships.

 

The team secured its first Drivers’ title in 1952 with Alberto Ascari and has since seen legendary champions like Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, and Kimi Räikkönen add to its legacy.

If you think this article about Ferrari is interesting, please share it. You can also read other articles in our Culture and Miami High Living sections.

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Magazine

Luster Magazine

Digital Magazine

Ingresa los siguientes datos y comienza a disfrutar de nuestra revista digital.