11 Interesting Facts About Ferrari

Ferrari is one of the most recognizable and prestigious luxury sports car manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, the Italian brand is known for its powerful engines, sleek designs, and rich motorsport heritage. Ferrari’s prancing horse logo is a global symbol of speed, luxury, and exclusivity. The brand has a strong presence in Formula 1 racing, where it has enjoyed significant success, solidifying its place as an automotive icon.

Ownership and Revenue

Ferrari was spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2016 and is now an independent company, though the Agnelli family (owners of FCA) retains a significant stake. Ferrari is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol RACE.

In 2023, Ferrari reported revenues of over €5 billion, making it one of the most valuable and profitable car manufacturers in the world. Despite producing far fewer cars than mass-market brands, Ferrari consistently ranks at the top for profit margins, with many of its models selling for millions of dollars each.

Ferrari’s Place in the Global Market

Ferrari holds a unique position in the luxury car market, known for its ultra-high-performance vehicles and Formula 1 pedigree. It competes with brands like Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche in the high-end sports car market. However, Ferrari’s heritage and its connection to motorsport set it apart, giving it an aura of prestige that few brands can match.

Interesting Facts About Ferrari

1. Founded as a Racing Division: Ferrari originally began as the racing division of Alfa Romeo in 1939. The first car to bear the Ferrari name was the 125 S, which debuted in 1947 after Enzo Ferrari split from Alfa Romeo to form his own company.
2. The Prancing Horse: Ferrari’s iconic prancing horse logo was inspired by Francesco Baracca, a famous Italian fighter pilot in World War I. Baracca had the emblem painted on the side of his planes, and after his death, his family offered the emblem to Enzo Ferrari, who adopted it for his cars.
3. Formula 1 Success: Ferrari has the most storied history in Formula 1 racing. Since 1950, Ferrari has won 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships, more than any other team in the sport. Legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Alberto Ascari have driven for Ferrari, making it synonymous with F1 success.
4. Ferrari’s Strict Ownership Rules: Ferrari has been known for its strict policies when it comes to who can own their cars, especially for their limited edition or special models. Some famous individuals, including celebrities, have been banned from purchasing certain models due to public behavior deemed inappropriate by Ferrari.
5. Limited Production: Ferrari limits the production of its cars to maintain exclusivity. For example, the Ferrari LaFerrari, a hybrid hypercar, was limited to just 499 units. Despite its high price tag, these cars often sell out before production even begins, increasing their value over time.
6. First Hybrid Supercar: Ferrari is known for its roaring internal combustion engines, but the brand took a step into the future with the launch of the LaFerrari in 2013, its first hybrid supercar. Combining a V12 engine with an electric motor, it represents Ferrari’s vision for blending performance with future technologies.
7. Ferrari World: Ferrari is so influential that it has its own theme park in Abu Dhabi called Ferrari World. The park is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, which reaches speeds of 149 mph (240 km/h), simulating the speed of a Ferrari F1 car.
8. High Resale Value: Ferrari cars, especially limited edition models, tend to appreciate in value over time. Classic Ferraris are often among the most expensive cars sold at auctions. For example, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $48.4 million at an auction in 2018, making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold.
9. Enzo Ferrari vs. Ford: One of the most famous rivalries in motorsport history involved Ferrari and Ford in the 1960s. After Enzo Ferrari pulled out of a deal to sell his company to Ford, the American automaker developed the Ford GT40 with the specific intention of beating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford succeeded, marking a significant moment in racing history, which was later dramatized in the film “Ford v Ferrari”.
10. Tragic Racing Incidents: Ferrari’s success in racing has also come with tragedy. One of the most notable accidents occurred in 1957 at the Mille Miglia road race in Italy, where a Ferrari driver lost control and crashed into the crowd, killing 12 spectators. This incident contributed to the end of public road racing in Italy.
11. Michael Schumacher’s Skiing Accident: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari’s most successful F1 driver, suffered a devastating skiing accident in 2013, which left him with severe brain injuries. While this was not related to Ferrari directly, the brand and its fans worldwide have closely followed Schumacher’s long recovery process, as he remains an iconic figure in Ferrari’s history.