Ferrari Unveils Retro Niki Lauda Tribute Livery for Monza GP

Ferrari will race with a special retro livery at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, honoring Niki Lauda's first Formula 1 World Championship title won there 50 years ago. This significant moment will also mark Lewis Hamilton's first Italian Grand Prix in Ferrari colors.

Why it matters: This tribute celebrates a pivotal moment in Ferrari's history and Niki Lauda's enduring legacy. Lauda not only ended Ferrari's 11-year title drought in 1975 but also played a crucial role in shaping Lewis Hamilton's career by persuading him to join Mercedes. For Ferrari, it's a chance to honor its past while aiming to rebound at its home race.

The details:

• The SF-25s of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will sport colors inspired by Lauda's 1975 312 T.
• The design features a deeper shade of red, white engine covers, black race numbers on white rectangles, metallic silver rear wings, and era-referencing wheel designs.
• Drivers' names will appear in cursive script, consistent with the 1975 aesthetic.
• Beyond the car, Leclerc and Hamilton will wear retro race suits and helmets. The team will also use period-inspired kit developed with Puma.
• Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi is slated to perform a demonstration run in a 1995 412 T2 during pre-race festivities.
• Lauda secured his first championship at Monza in 1975 with a third-place finish, while his teammate Clay Regazzoni won the race, clinching the constructors' championship for Ferrari.

The big picture: Lauda's 1975 title initiated a dominant period for Ferrari in the 1970s. His later influence on Hamilton's career led to six of Hamilton's seven world championships, making this tribute resonate deeply with both past and present F1 narratives.

What's next: After a challenging double retirement at Zandvoort, Ferrari heads to its home race looking to bounce back. The Scuderia aims to secure its first win of the 2025 season at Monza, a year after their 1-2 finish there.