There is no denying that Ferrari has been hugely successful over the years in Formula 1 racing. Other cars have had continued success as well, such as Mercedes and McLaren to name just a few. So why do car race drivers continue to prefer Ferraris?
For many, the word 'Ferrari' conjures up images of super expensive cars that are driven solely by movie stars or world class professional athletes. Now for those few who are fortunate enough to be international race car drivers, when 'Ferrari' is mentioned along with Formula 1 racing, the images are likely to be substantially different. Gone are the Hollywood starlets posing next to Ferrari's they cannot handle. Instead, the sound of that shrill, high-pitched whine that grows into an all-consuming roar and vibrates the sternum is recognized and embraced.
Ferrari can be construed as a way of life for certain people. Some race car drivers are practically born into the Ferrari lifestyle, making it quite difficult for them to prefer and eventually gravitate towards another car brand. Make no mistake, preferring Ferrari is a popular choice that reaps many rewards such as fandom, money, a great career, not to mention a potentially long-lasting legacy. Who does not want to be seen in a Ferrari?
Obviously, Ferrari is not a perfect fit for every car driver, but as history shows, driving Ferrari's will continue to be an amazing way of fulfilling the need for speed.
Smooth Transition From The Track To The Streets
A Ferrari is not a modified sedan or some hatchback that had to be modified to go fast. A Ferrari is a true race car that has been tweaked so that it is legal to drive on the road. This is a favorable situation for race car drivers as they do not have to leave their passion at work. They can go to the track and practice all day, then jump in a street friendly Ferrari and not have to give up the feeling of being in a race car.
Cutting Edge Technology
In Ferrari's attempt to separate themselves from the rest of the pack and to appeal to race car drivers, they created a feature named the 'Manettino'. What this is, is a small switch that allows the driver to change the driving mode without removing the hands far from the steering wheel. This keeps the driver focused on the road, which is critical when going at high rates of speed.
Ferrari has not stopped with their innovations. In 2019 they released an actual V-8 turbo charged hybrid that generates 1000 hp, named the SF90 Stradale. It is the most powerful production Ferrari ever. Ferrari is obviously catering to race car drivers, those who can genuinely appreciate and handle a world class race car.
In 2020 Ferrari is introducing the F8 Tributo. This beautifully designed masterpiece has an integrated navigation system, titanium exhaust pipes, and exterior carbon fiber components. The Tributo's 3.9-liter engine cranks out 710 hp, allowing the vehicle to make zero to sixty in 2.8 seconds. It is this type of innovation that pulls racing car drivers into the Ferrari pit stop time and time again.