Everyone dreams of racing in Formula 1 for Ferrari, no exceptions. Due to its rich history and prestige, the iconic red suit of Maranello becomes a second skin once worn. Driving for the Scuderia Ferrari is a highlight on any résumé, even if it’s for just one Grand Prix or a single lap.
For those who hire them, drivers are primarily part of a professional relationship that lasts only if they deliver victories. Without success, all declarations of love are meaningless, and the gates of Via Abetone will open briefly, only to close behind them. Returns to the team have happened, of course, but they remain the exception rather than the rule.
Does Ferrari really love its drivers?
Answering this question is complex and depends on what we mean by “love.” Ferrari, as an organization, is driven by performance, image, and success. Its relationship with drivers is therefore shaped by professional, historical, and cultural dynamics.
The Italian team is known for its culture of excellence and constant pressure to win. Drivers who deliver results, such as Michael Schumacher or Niki Lauda, are idolized and treated as heroes. Schumacher was not just a driver; he became a leader who transformed Ferrari into a dominant force, earning a permanent place in the hearts of the team and fans. However, when results fail to arrive, that love can quickly vanish.
Drivers like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel experienced periods of great affection, but also harsh criticism when they could not secure the world championship, despite consistently strong performances. Alonso came close to the title in 2010 and 2012, but the absence of a final victory led to tensions with the team, ultimately resulting in his departure. Vettel, despite being a four-time world champion, left Maranello after years of technical and strategic difficulties, becoming, against his will, a symbol of success that never fully materialized.
Love lasts… as long as it is convenient
Ferrari is not just a racing team; it is a national and cultural symbol for Italy. This brings enormous expectations, not only from fans but also from management and sponsors.
Drivers are expected to embody Ferrari’s core values: passion, dedication, and the ability to handle pressure. When a driver aligns perfectly with this vision, like Charles Leclerc – young, talented, and emotionally connected to the team through the Ferrari Driver Academy – the team offers unwavering support. Leclerc is considered the future of the Scuderia Ferrari, and his long-term contract reflects that trust.
On the other hand, drivers who struggle to adapt to Ferrari’s culture – for example, Lewis Hamilton – or fail to handle pressure, as some past talents have, can quickly be sidelined.
Ferrari’s history is full of intense but often complicated relationships. Gilles Villeneuve, a legendary figure, was loved for his bravery and spectacular driving style, despite never winning a world championship. His tragic death cemented his status as an icon, but during his career he faced moments of tension with the team.
The team is known for its internal complexity, with frequent management changes and evolving strategies. This can influence relationships with drivers. Under leaders such as Jean Todt or Stefano Domenicali, drivers enjoyed more stability, whereas during eras led by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo or Maurizio Arrivabene, internal tensions sometimes made it difficult for drivers to feel fully supported.
From Maranello, with love
Drivers love Ferrari for its myth, history, and the unique opportunity to race for a motorsport icon. Ferrari, however, loves its drivers pragmatically: it supports and celebrates them when they embody the team’s values and deliver results, but it is ready to make tough decisions when it deems a change necessary for success. It is an asymmetrical relationship: for drivers, the Scuderia is often a dream; for Ferrari, drivers are valuable tools to achieve glory, but they are not irreplaceable.
Charles Leclerc represents a partial exception, thanks to his deep connection with the team, but even for him, love will depend on his ability to win a world championship. Ultimately, the relationship between Ferrari and its drivers resembles a strategic alliance more than unconditional love. It is built on great passion, but also calculated coldness.
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