Ferrari F1 to ditch iconic red livery at Miami Grand Prix first time since 1964 and fans aren't pleased

'Fancy dress ready': Ferrari F1 to ditch iconic red livery at Miami GP first time ever since 1964 and racing fans aren't one bit pleased
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will be ditching the iconic Ferrari red and wear blue livery at Miami Grand Prix (Getty Images and @ScuderiaFerrari/X)

MIAMI, FLORIDA: In its latest update, Ferrari has announced that it is ditching its iconic red color for two shades of blue at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on its 70th anniversary in the American market, The Mirror reported.

The short-term livery change brings back colors that have historically been important to Ferrari's rich brand history.

Ferrari to ditch famous all-red F1 car for wild new look at Miami Grand Prix

Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino, two colors of blue, will replace the classic Rosso Corsa, the red livery associated with the Scuderia, in this one-of-a-kind design. Azzurro La Plata, a softer blue that resembles the color of Argentina's flag, pays homage to the color worn by the illustrious Alberto Ascari.

Donning a blue racing outfit and helmet, the Italian driver became Ferrari's inaugural Formula One world champion in 1952 and 1953.



 

Ascari was a trailblazer for Ferrari drivers, with John Surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini, and Ludovico Scarfiotti all wearing light blue racing suits during the 1960s.

(Getty Images)
Ferrari to ditch famous all-red F1 car for wild new look at Miami Grand Prix(Getty Images)

Ferrari last changed its classic red livery for the final two races of the championship—the US GP at Watkins Glen and the Mexican GP in Mexico City—in 1964. At that time, the livery was white and blue.

And when Surtees finished second in Mexico to beat Graham Hill to the Championship by a point, he became the only Ferrari driver to win a Formula One world championship in a color other than red.

In 1974, the late Niki Lauda wore the same color during his first season with Ferrari. The next year, he switched to red.

Niki Lauda, Ferrari 312B3-74, Grand Prix of Monaco, Monaco, 26 May 1974. (Photo by Paul-Henri Cahier/Getty Images).
Niki Lauda at the Grand Prix of Monaco on May 26, 1974 (Paul-Henri Cahier/Getty Images).

The livery was also used on other Ferrari racing cars by the North American Racing Team, which was founded in 1958 to promote the marque in the US and mostly competed in endurance racing. 

Darker blue Azzurro Dino was last seen on the late Clay Regazzoni in 1974 when Ferrari drivers started using Rosso Corsa outfits regularly. The name Dino is a tribute to Alfredo, the first son of Enzo Ferrari, who died at the age of 24 and went by the nickname Dino.

As part of a week-long celebration of Ferrari's presence in North America, the special livery that will adorn the SF-24 vehicles will be unveiled in Florida leading up to the Miami race.

Although a release date has not yet been disclosed, Ferrari will introduce a unique color change for a US race for the second time in as many years at the Miami Grand Prix.

Last season, the Scuderia ran a red and white livery at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to pay tribute to one of its iconic color schemes of the past.

Internet not pleased as Ferrari ditches red F1 car for Miami Grand Prix 

Although Ferrari came with a surprising tribute, social media users expressed their disapproval at the change of color. One user wrote on Facebook, "This was not needed." 

Another said, "Disgraceful." One person wrote, "They should concentrate on winning motor races rather than being the latest fashion accessory or color scheme." 

One individual commented, "It wont be the same!" Another added, "Let's just focus on winning. I don't like the color Ijust like wins!"

One person wrote, "Is Ferrari having problems with what to spend there money on or are they preparing for Hamilton's fancy dress ready for next year." 

Another added, "1964 car looked good." One individual commented, "Blue is not good." 

Another user said, "The men look like gas station attendants."

One person wrote, "It's Someone's Deranged Dream."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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