Ferrari’s Racing History in the United States
Ferrari's relationship with the United States has been strong for over 70 years. Not only is the United States a massive market for Ferrari commercially, but the racing history and success in the U.S. are just as strong.
The history goes back to the late 1940s when Luigi Chinetti contributed to Ferrari's development in the United States. Chinetti was an Italian-American racing driver and businessman who became well-known for his success in motorsports. He began racing in Europe in the 1920s and was a three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.
Chinetti moved to the United States in the 1940s and began importing Ferraris; Enzo Ferrari appointed Chinetti as his Ferrari factory agent in the United States. Chinetti opened the first—and for a while the only—Ferrari dealership in the country. Chinetti was also responsible for scouting some of the best up-and-coming drivers, including Mario Andretti, Phil Hill, and Dan Gurney. Chinetti played a critical role in getting many of the greatest American drivers into race-winning cars on the highest levels of global motorsport.
Tony Brooks got Ferrari’s first 3rd place podium at a US GP Sebring in 1959
He also established the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.), which competed in various motorsports events and enjoyed significant success. Starting in the 1950s, N.A.R.T. existed for over three decades, during which it experienced successes on the tracks of America and Europe. N.A.R.T. raced Ferraris until 1982 when it participated in over 200 races with over 100 drivers.
Enzo Ferrari became interested in competing in the American CART Indycar series in the late 80s, developing the Ferrari 637 IndyCar, but never racing the car in the CART series. Ferrari has won more U.S. F1 G.P.s than any other team.
Ferrari 637 IndyCar
1959 Ferrari's first podium in U.S. GP at Sebring-Tony Brooks 3rd place, Dino 246F1.
First Win for American driver Phil Hill with Ferrari246F1 in 1960 Italian G.P.
1961 Drivers and Constructors championship with American Driver Phil Hill and Richie Ginther (American), Wolfgang Von Tripps. (3 car team)
In 1975, Niki Lauda won the U.S. GP at Watkins Glen (the first win in the U.S.).
Ferrari and Schumacher dominated the US GP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, winning six of the eight grand prix held there.
Kimi Raikkonen's last win with Ferrari was at the 2018 U.S. GP at COTA.
In 1961, Phil Hill won the F1 championship, Le Mans, and Sebring.
Scuderia Ferrari will unveil a custom blue (Azzurro Dino & Azzurro la plata - baby blue) livery for the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, honoring the 70-year relationship with Ferrari and the United States.
1964 US GP- Watkins Glen Ferrari/N.A.R.T. - John Surtees
2024 N.A.R.T.-inspired Miami Grand Prix Scuderia Ferrari livery
Carlos & Charles will wear light blue drivers suit during the Miami Grand Prix
