7 Things You Didn’t Know About Ferrari in Formula 1

Ferrari and Formula 1 are inextricably linked. The Italian brand is synonymous with the pinnacle of motorsport, yet even the most dedicated fans rarely know the full story. Here are seven surprising and fascinating facts about Ferrari’s role in Formula 1—from political maneuvers to technological breakthroughs.

#1: Ferrari has participated in every single Formula 1 World Championship since 1950

Ferrari is the only team that has been continuously present since the official Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950. They haven’t just participated; they’ve shaped the sport. Their continuity and dedication are unparalleled, and they have been a key player through the sport’s numerous technological and political eras.

#2: Enzo Ferrari refused to race in the first Formula 1 race

When the very first Formula 1 race was held at Silverstone in 1950, Enzo Ferrari chose to withdraw his team. He thought the prize money was too low, highlighting his business acumen. Ironically, Ferrari would go on to become the sport’s most iconic brand, despite missing the premiere event.

#3: Ferrari holds the record for the most one-two finishes in a single season

In the 2002 season, Ferrari achieved something remarkable: securing first and second place in nine races. The dominant duo of Schumacher and Barrichello turned the year into a demonstration of superiority. This record number of one-two finishes cemented Ferrari’s position as a technical and strategic powerhouse.

#4: Ferrari named a car after Formula 1

In 2013, Ferrari launched the model “LaFerrari”—not just a tribute to the brand but a vehicle with technology directly derived from Formula 1, including the KERS system. It was an example of how Formula 1 influences not only race cars but also road cars.

#5: Ferrari has its own voice in the sport’s political landscape

Ferrari is the only team that holds a special “veto right” within the governing bodies of Formula 1. This means they can veto certain rule changes—a political power they’ve used to protect their interests and at times the direction of the sport itself.

#6: They have built some of the most experimental engines

Over time, Ferrari has experimented with V12, V10, and V6 turbo engines, with some designs being so complex that even rivals studied them. They have always been among the most technologically curious teams—sometimes with groundbreaking successes, other times with costly mistakes.

#7: Ferrari has achieved the most pole positions in Formula 1 history

While Mercedes and Red Bull have dominated in recent times, Ferrari still holds the most pole positions overall in the sport’s history. This demonstrates their enduring ability to build cars that deliver outstanding qualifying performances, regardless of the era.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.