By Sam Bailey
Ferrari is an F1 team steeped in glamour, history and pedigree, which has created a dynasty in F1.
History of the Team
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, the iconic Ferrari red was born and nearly a century of glory would follow.
After receiving a strong backing by the founder, Enzo’s passion for his racing was clear and he turned a dream into a reality as Ferrari entered their first race in Maranello in 1947.
Although their first win came during this year, it was not an official F1 season, however the team would only have to wait three years until they could showcase their speed and power.
As the first official F1 season kickstarted in 1950, Ferrari would have to play second fiddle to a strong Alfa Romeo team.
Legendary driver Alberto Ascari was the driving force behind the team’s success in 1952 as he overcame one of the greats in Juan Manuel Fangio to secure a first drivers and constructers championship.
The 1950s was a terrific time for the Italian team, demonstrating their dominance as they had multiple winners including one of their rivals in Juan Manuel Fangio, who was attracted to the Italian powerhouse.
With the 1960s possessing a quiet period for Ferrari with just one champion in British driver, John Surtees in 1964, they would have to wait a decade later for Niki Lauda to conquer the grid.
He would go on to win back-to-back championships in the mid 70s, whilst also dealing with a horrific facial injury after his car caught fire in a major crash at the Nürburgring.
More winning moments followed as Ferrari had to deal with stiff competition including the great McLaren car in the late 80s as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost dominated.
One of the most iconic and greatest F1 drivers Michael Schumacher was steered towards
Ferrari as he started a five-year reign between 1999 to 2004 which saw him win five in a row and cement himself as the greatest F1 driver in the history of the sport.
This period really illustrated the Italian sides dominance, and they clinched their last constructers title in 2008, a year after their driver Kimi Raikonen took the driver’s crown.
Ferrari is a global powerhouse. with their prestige and history, they will always attract the best in the world, last year they managed to prize seven times champion Lewis Hamilton away from Mercedes.
Although success hasn’t followed them for nearly 20 years, they are building every year, the Italian Grand prix will always be a landmark race for the team as they look to get back on track
