Giancarlo Fisichella remains one of the most celebrated Italian drivers in Formula 1 history, with a career spanning 14 seasons and over 230 Grand Prix appearances. Throughout his career, Fisichella had notable experiences, including joining Ferrari in 2009, both in Formula 1 and later in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with AF Corse. The Italian website Formula1.it spoke exclusively with the former F1 driver during the Ferrari World Finals.
In this interview, released on the occasion of Fisichella’s 53rd birthday, he reflects on his illustrious career, the Ferrari team’s progress in the WEC, and shares his genuine passion for racing and loyalty to the Ferrari brand. The conversation also provides an authoritative perspective on current motorsport topics.
Reflecting on a remarkable career
Giancarlo, you have competed and won in F1, WEC, and GT racing. How do you evaluate your career, and which moments do you cherish the most?
“I cannot complain about my career: I raced for 14 seasons in Formula 1. Since 2010, I have been a Ferrari Competizioni GT driver, participating in many endurance races and achieving significant victories, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I am very satisfied, and there are many memorable moments. Of course, there are the early days in karting, the years in Formula 3, and my first Formula 1 test. And I cannot forget my wins at Le Mans.”
Life as a Ferrari Ambassador
You are now a Ferrari Ambassador Driver. Can you tell us about your current role?
“I am a Ferrari Ambassador Driver at various events throughout the year. I remain active and compete in GT races when required. Last year, together with Tommaso Mosca and Arthur Leclerc, we won the Italian Gran Turismo Championship, repeating our success from 2023. It’s a great championship, I really enjoy it, and I hope to continue racing.”
The Ferrari chapter of your career
2009 was a turning point, with your move to Ferrari. What does Ferrari mean to you?
“It was a strange transition. That season, I was racing for Force India. I got the chance to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari after his accident: they needed an experienced driver, especially after Luca Badoer struggled with a complex car. I also faced difficulties. I knew what to expect: I joined mid-season in 2009 without testing, ready to take whatever came my way, aware that I couldn’t fight for wins as I had at Force India. But I couldn’t say no to Ferrari: driving for them had always been a dream. I think I took on the challenge at the right moment in my career. After that experience, I could have continued in Formula 1, but I chose to stay within the Ferrari family and start a journey in GT and endurance racing. And here I am.”
Winning Le Mans
You won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in the WEC. What does it mean to achieve victory there?
“It’s a unique experience. Le Mans is the most important race in the world, the one everyone dreams of competing in and winning. I triumphed in the GTE Pro category in 2012 and 2014. Those years were extraordinary, supported by an incredible team. Standing on the podium, seeing one hundred thousand people along the straight at Le Mans, you truly realize the prestige and significance of that race.”
Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing
Ferrari achieved three consecutive victories at Le Mans and won the title with the 499P. Your thoughts?
“Winning three times in a row at Le Mans, after years of absence, is incredible. It was a goal we hoped to achieve in two or three years, yet it happened immediately. And it was repeated over three seasons, with three different cars and three different driver line-ups: I think this highlights Ferrari as a truly great team. Nothing more could have been asked for.”
Thoughts on Max Verstappen
Having raced in F1 and GT, what do you think of Max Verstappen, who recently debuted and won in GT at the Nürburgring with his team?
“We’re talking about Max Verstappen, not just any driver: he’s incredible, especially in how he maximizes every car he drives. He does it in F1 and beyond. His adaptation to GT, which is completely different from Formula 1, is impressive. He may have prepared, of course, but not at the level of drivers who have competed in that championship for years. Yet he achieved remarkable results. He’s an extraordinary driver.”
And he won at the Nürburgring in the Ferrari 296. Why do you think he chose a Ferrari?
“The Ferrari 296 certainly helped him. It’s a car that’s easy to drive, inspiring confidence and putting the driver at ease. And it’s very fast: qualities that likely influenced his choice. He could have chosen any car or brand, yet he chose Ferrari.”
The future behind the wheel
Do you still see yourself racing for many more years, or are you focusing more on other activities?
“I still enjoy racing, especially the way I’m doing it now: less intense, with minimal pressure. I have fun and stay in shape, and I still have the mental focus. For more demanding championships, with high physical and mental demands, it becomes tougher. Beyond racing, I’m involved in other interests, like Pro Racing, a management company for young drivers. It keeps me happy, active, and connected to the track… my world.”
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