Why Ferrari is ditching its famous red color at the Miami F1 Grand Prix

Formula 1 landing in the United States is synonymous with spectacle. Not only for what may happen on the track, but also because teams and drivers always have surprises in store for their U.S. fans. The championship has been gaining significance in North American, thanks to Liberty Media and the Netflix series, ‘Drive To Survive’, which has notched up some impressive viewing figures in a country that traditionally has always been very loyal to NASCAR and Indycar races.

As of today, the nation can boast of three Grand Prix races, with plans to expand further, and with grandstands that fill up every weekend, in addition to the multitude of VIPs vying to enjoy the races from inside the paddock. The party is always grandiose and, for Ferrari, this year will be even more special: the ‘Scuderia’ will take advantage of the upcoming Miami Grand Prix to celebrate its 70th anniversary in the U.S. market.

Ferrari blue unique to Miami GP

As part of this celebration Ferrari is making a splash, choosing to recolor its SF-24s, diminishing the presence of its classic red to make way for two shades of blue (Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino), which are also part of the brand’s history from Maranello. The last time the tifosi sported the blue color on their car was in 1964, with a special livery that also featured white, used for the last two races of that season, in the States. This design will be unique for the Miami GP, which will take place this weekend. In Imola, red will once again take center stage.

Segmenting the two shades of blue, each has a special history for Ferrari. The first of them, Azzurro La Plata, happens to be Argentina’s national racing color. A light blue tone that was used by Alberto Ascari, an Italian former F1 driver and one of Ferrari’s early stars, on his racing suit and helmet during his most successful years in competition. In fact, the two-time world champion (1952 and 1953) considered it one of his great talismans. In the 1960s, drivers like John Surtees, Chris Amon, or Niki Lauda also sported this color on their suits during their first season with the Scuderia. The attire of Maranello’s staff was also blue during that time.

The other shade of blue, Azzuro Dino, is darker than the former. It was last used in 1974, with Clay Regazzoni being the driver who wore it on his suit, just before red took over the Scuderia’s attire until today.

More Miami GP detail from Ferrari

In addition to a special design on the cars, which combines red and the two blues, Ferrari has been unveiling small details throughout the week that will also have their presence throughout the entire Grand Prix.

The racing suits of both drivers, for example, will be completely dyed in blue, from the corporate caps to their shoes. The casual wear they will sport throughout the weekend will also follow suit. A few days ago, in fact, they presented a jacket and shirt collection with a vintage touch, paying homage to the attire mechanics used to wear in the past.

And the drivers have surprises for Miami too: both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will sport special designs on their helmets, with the color blue as the main protagonist.

Ferrari’s yellow and burgandy specials

The last special livery showcased by the Maranello-based team was during the previous season, when Sainz and Leclerc donned yellow attire during the Italian Grand Prix. The cars displayed a design also featuring yellow details, intended as a tribute to the 499P that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Prior to that, the previous special design dates back to 2020, featuring a burgundy color for Ferrari’s 1000th race in Formula 1, with Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel as drivers during the Tuscan GP at Mugello.