Last Saturday, during the Champions of Motorsport awards ceremony organized by the Automobile Club d’Italia at the Auditorium della Conciliazione in Rome, after a long discussion with Federation President Geronimo La Russa, the Italian website Formula1.it had the honor of speaking with Antonello Coletta.
Just after stepping down from the stage, where he received a special recognition for Ferrari’s outstanding season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the head of Ferrari’s Endurance program took a moment to address some particularly hot topics.
The Balance of Performance
The first topic concerned the Balance of Performance. In the WEC, BoP is an integral part of the technical regulations and has a significant impact on car performance. Asked whether this system limits or encourages technical development, and whether it could one day be applied in Formula 1, Coletta responded without hesitation:
“We are not very happy with the Balance, but it is part of the regulations, so we accept it and live with it. It does provide a stimulus, because you always have to look for that extra edge, knowing that maybe in the next race you will be penalized further. It’s applicable everywhere, but I hope it never comes to Formula 1. Our dream would be to not have it at all.”
ADUO as a regulatory tool
Antonello Coletta also addressed the topic of ADUO, explaining how it can serve as a helpful tool in a delicate regulatory phase:
“I think it can be necessary, especially in a year that I wouldn’t call transitional, but still influenced by new regulations on the horizon. There is concern that not everyone is ready, and this can help those who are slightly behind. That said, it would still be nice not to need these tools.”
Aerodynamic vs. power platforms
When asked whether aerodynamic or energy platform choices are the key to success, Antonello Coletta answered thoughtfully:
“As in all competitions, everything matters. Aerodynamics play a very important role, especially on tracks like Le Mans where it is decisive. But we cannot forget power. It’s always a combination of factors that leads you to excel or, on the contrary, to achieve less satisfying results.”
The privilege and responsibility of representing Ferrari
Finally, the Italian website asked Antonello Coletta what it means to represent the Prancing Horse worldwide, and whether this carries special pressure:
“Representing Ferrari is a great privilege and a great responsibility. The pressure exists, but you have to live with it without being overwhelmed. In fact, it should be a stimulus to always do better, because when you represent one of the most iconic brands in the world, you cannot afford to make mistakes.”
Antonello Coletta’s candid remarks highlight the complex balancing act required to lead Ferrari’s most successful modern racing program. While the team has mastered the art of winning under the restrictive WEC Balance of Performance, his firm stance against bringing such measures to Formula 1 underscores a desire to keep the pinnacle of the sport as a pure meritocracy of engineering. By viewing the immense pressure of the Maranello brand not as a burden, but as a catalyst for excellence, Coletta has fostered a culture that has already secured three consecutive Le Mans victories. As the motorsport world eyes the 2026 regulatory shift, his leadership ensures that Ferrari remains focused on a “combination of factors”—from power to aero—that will define the next era of racing.
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