Ferrari is set to unveil a special livery for next week’s Miami Grand Prix as it marks the 70th anniversary of its arrival in America.
Ferrari has announced plans to unveil a one-off livery for the Miami Grand Prix that will serve as a tribute to the manufacturer’s heritage, with the revival of two classic blue colours—Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino.
The switch from the Scuderia’s trademark Rosso Corsa colour denotes more than a mere visual appeal as it alludes symbolically to a specific period in Ferrari’s past. The unique colour scheme will be designed in honour of Ferrari’s historical role in the US motorsport setting, commemorating the brand’s 70th anniversary in the American market.
Back in 1964, Enzo Ferrari handed his partner – the North American Racing Team – the task of fielding his team in the US and Mexican Grands Prix, which were the season’s last two races. For that reason, each of its cars sported N.A.R.T.’s signature dark blue and white colours.
The lighter shade of blue dubbed “Azzurro La Plata” which also serves as Argentina’s national racing colour, bears similarities to the colours sported by two-time F1 World Champion and Ferrari racing legend Alberto Ascari.
The legendary driver typically donned a blue jersey and helmet, considering them his lucky charms after his 1952 and 1953 championship victories.
Later, the tone was carried over into the racing suits worn by John Surtees, Lorenzo Bandini, Chris Amon, and Niki Lauda, with the latter doing so when he joined the team in 1974. However, Azzurro La Plata wasn’t exclusively for drivers; employees at Maranello also donned overalls in this specific colour.
The deeper shade of blue known as Azzurro Dino had its final appearance in 1974 on Clay Regazzoni’s period Linea Sport overalls before Ferrari’s signature classic red took center stage in the early 1980s.
this unique design approach not only serves as a celebration of Ferrari’s North American legacy but also serves as a tribute to the legendary drivers who contributed to the Scuderia’s early success.
The livery unveiling, which will take place in Florida with the date yet to be confirmed, will be a part of a series of Ferrari events celebrating their US presence. The events are slated to start on April 28 and come to a conclusion on May 5 with a parade led by two blue 296 GTS models that will drive around the Miami International Autodrome circuit ahead of the Grand Prix.
The most recent one-off livery sported by Ferrari was in the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, paying homage to the iconic red and white colour scheme of their past. For the event, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s race outfits also underwent a corresponding redesign.
Ferrari also ran a special livery for the Italian Grand Prix, featuring yellow, with the design paying tribute to the Le Mans 24 Hours winning 499P. The team also ran a burgundy look to celebrate its 1000th race at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello.
