Ferrari celebrates 75 years of racing at the Italian Formula 1 GP in Monza

Ferrari returns to the home grand prix with a celebratory spirit. The Italian grand prix in Monza honored the greatest racing team in history.

Fair point: Ferrari did not bring the race home.

In a race weekend made of special themes in honor of the history of the Cavallino, winning was going to be the cherry on top of the pie.

Italy welcomed back their heroes in a warm and energetic way, almost forgiving – if not forgetting – all the painful defeats of the past races.

Monza is about honoring 75 years of racing.

The relationship with Ferrari is one emotional story, that in good and bad days, you cannot stop loving it.

And so here we are with celebratory themes. The beautiful yellow in the rear end of the car, recalling the color of the city of Modena, homebirth of the prancing horse.

The rear wing, a classic. That renowned signature logo that many recognize as a symbol of success, win, excellence.

Drivers, mechanics, the whole team wearing limited edition gear, the yellow, once again, all in the name of honoring Ferrari.

If not, honoring Enzo Ferrari, that made racing part of our lives.

Ferrari’s Pride

It was Binotto that early this season mentioned the difference between a team built to win championships, versus a team made to seize opportunities through races.

If this statement was a bit deviating at first, now it is the confirmation of the direction the team principal decided to take from the start of the season.

Ferrari is still in building the foundation of a potential legacy, nearing peak performance levels in certain races, looking laggards in others.

The secondary role in the script

Monza is proof of Ferrari playing a secondary role in this season. Whereas with car potential and drivers’ ability can bring home few victories (i.e. Australia) here and there. But don’t call it a championship runner.

Let fans cheering Leclerc, bringing home another pole position – the number 8 of the season – but giving up again to Max Verstappen, which appears to be – at this point – unbeatable.

Ferrari have no regrets this weekend.

This time strategy and race management are impeccable.

Leclerc finishing second is just a matter of understanding the “what if” of that safety car.

The race ended with a questionable call from race control. Criticized as the situation could have been handled better.

Although Verstappen looked too strong, Leclerc could have enjoyed a final battle for victory in the last 5 laps.

Sainz on his end, what a spectacular race coming from the bottom end of the grid all the way until 4th place.

Yet again, finishing the last five laps with yellow flag and safety car, leaves Carlos with a bitter taste, as it could have taken Russell in a fight for podium.

Looking Ahead

The home race in Monza served Ferrari to regroup and find the right spirit to finish strong this 2022 and look forward with greater awareness for 2023.

With six grand prix left in this season, Ferrari needs to seize in the opportunity to build a winning foundation for the season to come.