Ferrari is celebrating 75 years of the marque’s illustrious history. Its latest Formula 1 challenger is named the F1-75 in honour of this achievement. As a team that is the oldest and most successful to have competed since the Championship’s inception; the 2022 season is a big deal. The team ended 2021 on an upward trajectory, snatching a third-place finish in the Constructor’s championship from McLaren after improvements to their hybrid system.
Team Principal Mattia Binotto is looking forward to seeing the ‘Prancing Horse’ back in the fight at the front of the grid stating “We know that expectations are high and we are ready to go up against our opponents. That’s the best part of this challenge and it’s what makes our work so fascinating. I would like the F1-75 to be the car that allows our fans to once again be proud of Ferrari. Our goal is to reignite the Prancing Horse legend and we can only do that by winning again. That will require a fast car and two great drivers and we have them.”
They launched the car in a brief live stream, showing an aggressive car with some innovative bodywork. With seven launches so far, I think all fears of the cars all looking alike should be well and truly buried. The only oddity was the FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem announcing Michael Masi’s exit at the same time.
The Drivers
As with the other teams, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the F1-75 out for some shakedown laps at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. Both will be eager to build on their momentum from last season. The team has already discussed how team orders might be handled with Sainz proving more than capable of matching Leclerc. Both drivers confirm they will be allowed to battle on track but with team success being prioritised. Meanwhile, Antonio Giovinazzi and Mick Schumacher will serve as reserve drivers this season.
You can watch a replay of the launch on Youtube here.