Page 4 - Ferrari in F1

TON WATSON FINE BOO
Once Enzo was gone, however, chaos reigned throughout the
1990s. The team only got back on track when former Peugeot
sports director Jean Todt was hired at Maranello. Under Todt’s
leadership, Ferrari achieved record results, but the method was
very different. Enzo had said: “During the races, we can give the
drivers instructions, or rather, suggestions. Having been a driver
myself, I know that it’s not possible to give direct orders. Todt saw
things differently, with Michael Schumacher as the indestructible
main driver, he used his authority, handing out orders that were
the exact opposite of Enzo’s theories.
But even if the Ferrari stable under the direction of Jean
Todt led an entirely different existence, certain principles were
DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS
surprisingly unchanging. These were, of course, to make Ferrari
win; whatever it took. Michael Schumacher’s sometimes ruthless
dominance could only reinforce the “passione” that always
energized the team.
“I don’t have the nerve to claim that my life has been a difficult
journey,” admitted Enzo shortly before his death. “Ever since I was
young, I’ve often looked in the mirror and asked myself, with almost acute
pain: ‘Who am I?’ ‘Why did I come into this world?’ I’ve been described
as a man who knew it was human to commit sins, and who knew the
wickedness of the world. But I’d like to add that I also knew how to
cope in an environment where one is trapped by the illusion of success.”
Myths are born of statements like these. And the idea that
Ferrari, after a thousand Grand Prix, could be considered by far
the most successful constructor in the history of Formula 1 is no
illusion. ■
© DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS
“Passione”: Ferrari fans cheer
their heroes on the Monza circuit.
© DALTON WATSON FINE BOOKS
DALTON WATSON