Ferrari puts on a show for its 1000th Grand Prix

While its outcome on track was less than ideal, Ferrari’s 1000th grand prix still provided an impressive show both in and around the Maranello circuit. The team began proceedings by unveiling a special burgundy livery for its current SF1000 cars, recreating the same shade of red that was worn by the first grand prix Ferrari, the 125S, which made its debut at the 1950 Monaco GP.

Then on the Saturday evening the celebrations began in nearby Florence, where a gathering of historic F1 cars and key players from the Scuderia’s history came together in Piazza della Signoria.

Buildings were highlighted with images from the team’s 999 GPs so far, and star guests included current Ferrari president Louis Camilleri, FIA head Jean Todt, former drivers Eddie Irvine, Jean Alesi, Stefan Johansson and previous team bosses Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. As for the machinery, modern cars such as the F2008 and F2002 were joined by classics such as the F2-spec 500, which dominated in 1952 and ’53, and the 312 T4. While Sunday’s race was less of a celebration, Enzo Ferrari’s son Piero Ferrari still paid a warm accolade: “It’s a tribute to the amazing Ferrari story, characterised by an endless desire to compete. Ferrari is unique, because we have the soul of a car manufacturer and of a racing team.” That may be so, but the less said about the pit-crew themed dance routine during the evening celebrations, the better.