Ferrari’s signature red racing livery, known as Rosso Corsa, has become one of the most recognizable colors in motorsport. Rooted deeply in Italy’s racing heritage, this iconic shade of red has been synonymous with Scuderia Ferrari since the team’s earliest days. Yet, throughout its history, Ferrari has occasionally raced in colors other than red, reflecting unique circumstances and tributes.
The tradition of Rosso Corsa dates back to the early 1900s when national racing colors were assigned to countries. Italy’s choice was red, a color that Enzo Ferrari embraced passionately. The first Ferrari race car, the 125 S from 1947, proudly wore this flat, non-metallic red, designed to accentuate the car’s lines rather than dazzle with shine. Over time, Ferrari has shifted towards a lighter shade called Rosso Scuderia, which improves visibility on television screens without losing the classic appeal.
While red has been the dominant color, Ferrari’s livery history includes notable exceptions. For instance, in 1964, Ferrari raced in blue during the final two races as a form of protest led by Enzo Ferrari, inspired by the North American Racing Team’s colors. Privateer entries have also appeared in yellow, such as Olivier Gendebien’s Ferrari at the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix, reflecting Belgium’s national racing color. Additionally, green Ferraris appeared in Formula Libre events when modified by Vanwall, although these were not part of official Formula 1® World Championship races.
In recent years, Ferrari has also played with different shades of red for special occasions. The team’s 1000th Grand Prix livery featured a darker burgundy tone, inspired by the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix car. More recently, at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari ran a special livery to honour Michael Schumacher, displaying seven stars to mark his seven Drivers’ Championships. This tribute highlighted the deep connection between Ferrari’s racing identity and its legendary drivers.
As the most successful team in Formula 1® history with 16 Constructors’ Championships, Ferrari’s choice of livery is more than just a color—it’s a symbol of national pride, legacy, and passion. The consistent use of Rosso Corsa reflects a commitment to tradition, while the occasional deviations serve as meaningful nods to history and individual milestones.
Ferrari’s livery story shows how a racing color can carry cultural significance beyond the track. From its origins in Italy’s national racing colors to modern tributes, Rosso Corsa remains a defining element of the team’s identity in the Formula 1® paddock.