A BUSY AND IMPORTANT YEAR
A BUSY AND IMPORTANT YEAR
The year 2024 was a busy and important one for Ferrari in motorsport, both in Formula 1 and endurance racing, further strengthening the Prancing Horse’s position on the international stage.
<p>This F1 season was among the most competitive in the last 10 years. Under the leadership of team principal Frédéric Vasseur, Scuderia Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship with 652 points, just 14 behind McLaren and ahead of Red Bull and Mercedes.</p> <p>Ferrari claimed five victories and 22 podiums – an impressive step forward over recent years – crowned by a prestigious win in Monte Carlo and a resounding triumph at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The latter was the product of a magnificent team effort and an outstanding performance by Charles Leclerc, who made his hard tyres last longer than any other driver. </p> <p>These extraordinary results were made possible by the SF-24, Maranello’s 70th single-seater, which underwent continuous aerodynamic and mechanical improvements throughout the season.</p>
<p>The year 2024 also saw Ferrari cement its leading role in endurance racing and client racing programmes.</p> <p>The Ferrari 499P was one of the standout performers, claiming a repeat victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: a landmark moment for the Prancing Horse, winning the world’s most famous endurance race for the second year running. The Maranello Hypercar also triumphed at Austin in the distinctive yellow livery of AF Corse, marking a milestone in motorsport history. This was the first time a manufacturer had won two world championship races in two different series on the same day.</p> <p>The Ferrari 296 GT3 was another big star of 2024, delivering an extraordinary victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 10 years after the Prancing Horse’s last win. This thrilling first-place finish was also the 296 GT3’s maiden win in the legendary American endurance race.</p>
<p>The Ferrari 499P and 296 GT3, central to Ferrari’s big track victories in 2024, also took centre stage at the Finali Mondiali. The year’s most anticipated event took place at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, marking its return to the circuit two years after its last edition. The event also showcased the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, which crowned the new World Champions: Bence Valint (Ferrari Budapest – Rossocorsa), winner of the Trofeo Pirelli and James Owen (Meridien Modena) of the Trofeo Pirelli Am. Other world titles went to Henry Hassid (Kessel Racing) in the Coppa Shell, Eric Cheung (Formula Racing) in the Coppa Shell Am, and Qwin Wietlisbach (CDP – D&C Racing) in the Trofeo Pirelli 488.</p> <p>The racing was followed by the Ferrari Show at the Imola circuit and a parade of unique models, including the new Ferrari F80 supercar. Produced in a limited series of 799 units, the F80 showcases the Maranello-based manufacturer’s cutting-edge technology and performance, pushing the boundaries of internal combustion engine development. Equipped with a hybrid V6 powertrain delivering 1200 HP of maximum power, it is Ferrari’s most potent road supercar ever and a new benchmark for innovation and technical excellence.</p>
<p>Ferrari’s 2024 was also a year of great innovations, accolades, and events that marked an unforgettable season.</p> <p>One of the standout moments was the Prancing Horse’s special event in Miami, with a groundbreaking programme that brought together the Prancing Horse community in the United States for a unique series of motorsport experiences.</p> <p>A key highlight was the Miami Beach parade, which featured 70 Ferraris from around the world and celebrated 70 years of Ferrari in the American market. This special anniversary was also commemorated with a livery for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s SF-24 cars, featuring the historic Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino colours – shades that have long been part of everyday life at Maranello. The US Grand Prix was an opportunity to look back at the past and celebrate Ferrari’s rich tradition on American soil. This celebration extended to the track, where Leclerc’s Ferrari secured third place at the chequered flag.</p> <p>Miami Beach also hosted the unveiling of the new Ferrari 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider – two-seater berlinettas inspired by the GT models of the 1950s and 1960s. These cars combine unparalleled performance with unequalled long-distance comfort, powered by Ferrari’s iconic V12 engine, which in this version delivers 830 HP, up to 9,500 rpm, and a top speed of 340 km/h.</p> <p>Miami showcased the perfect fusion of luxury, racing passion, and automotive history.</p> <p>Ferrari's own history, of course, features no shortage of awards and honours. And 2024 was no different, with the Prancing Horse receiving major accolades for its cutting-edge cars.</p> <p>Among these was the Ferrari Purosangue, winner of the prestigious Compasso d‘Oro, one of the most coveted awards in industrial design. A blend of the latest technology, combining comfort, performance and innovative design, this car has pioneered a new segment and opened up unprecedented possibilities for the Maranello company. Thanks to its modern architecture, this versatile car melds unparalleled comfort with Ferrari’s signature performance and driving pleasure.</p> <p>The Ferrari Roma received another prestigious accolade: the Red Dot: Best of the Best in the Product Design category. The Ferrari Roma Spider, an elegant front-mid-engined 2+ open-top car with a retractable soft top, represents the perfect blend of timeless class, dynamic driving, comfort, and top-level performance.</p> <p>These prestigious awards add to the Prancing Horse's already extensive trophy cabinet, underlining the extraordinary work carried out by the Ferrari Styling Centre, led by Flavio Manzoni. His team designs timeless cars deeply rooted in Ferrari’s legendary history while pioneering new design languages, always maintaining a balance between form and functionality.</p> <p>To highlight and honour this design and engineering excellence, the Turin Auto Show presented the Ferrari Styling Centre and Flavio Manzoni, Chief Design Officer, with a prestigious accolade. An important award that acknowledges Ferrari’s craftsmanship and ingenuity in designing unique models that have shaped the history of the car industry.</p>
<p>In 2024, Ferrari’s production facilities expanded with the addition of a new structure: the e-building, a factory dedicated to the sports cars of the future. Inaugurated in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, this marks an important milestone in the company’s history, embodying core values such as evolution, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency.</p> <p>The facility reflects the principle of technological neutrality, as it houses the production and development of internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, and new electric motors, all engineered to deliver the thrilling driving experience synonymous with the Ferrari tradition.</p> <p>It is a project that looks to the future, with a growing focus on the environment – an issue central to the Prancing Horse’s vision and latest initiatives. The e-building, a technologically advanced facility, has been designed to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency, reducing emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. A key milestone towards this goal was decommissioning the trigeneration plant at the Maranello factory, ensuring an annual reduction of 60% in CO2 emissions and 70% in methane gas consumption.</p> <p>In this “green” scenario, Ferrari has also announced a new adventure: its entry into the world of sailing. This project will see the Maranello company engaged in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies throughout the concept development, engineering, and testing processes.</p> <p>Pursuing maximum performance at sea and developing sustainable solutions will drive innovations that, in line with Ferrari’s tradition, will serve as a key stimulus for the future evolution of its cars. The Prancing Horse has entrusted this exciting challenge to champion sailor Giovanni Soldini, one of the most renowned figures in the field.</p> <p>John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari, commented on the venture: “We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul. With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries. We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit.” </p> <p>This spirit perfectly embodies Ferrari’s values and has driven the Maranello-based manufacturer’s continued growth throughout 2024. Summing up Ferrari’s achievements and future developments, John Elkann added: “We are closing a year of business development with excellent financial results and brand growth across all areas of the company,” highlighting that “the strength of the order book and the increase in personalisation are two clear trends confirming the success of our sports cars”.</p> <p>Ferrari’s extraordinary financial results can be attributed to constant striving for innovation, exclusivity, and excellence. All the while, it has maintained the tradition and DNA that have long marked the Maranello company’s history.</p>