Ferrari honors Niki Lauda 50 years on ahead of Monza GP

40

Fifty years ago today, Niki Lauda claimed his first Formula 1 world championship with a podium finish at Monza, as the tifosi celebrated their hero and Clay Regazzoni delivered a home victory to cap off a historic season.

Ahead of this Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, the entire Ferrari team gathered for a special commemorative photo, honoring Lauda’s remarkable achievement and the legacy he left at the Scuderia.

This weekend, Ferrari is bringing the past to life: the SF-25 carries a special livery inspired by Lauda’s 312 T, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sport period-inspired suits and helmets, and the crew don uniforms echoing those worn during the 1975 season.

As the team prepares for today’s race, they are channeling Lauda’s legendary fighting spirit — a reminder that courage, precision, and relentless determination are as vital now as they were fifty years ago.

©X.com

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.