Why will Ferrari run a one-off, Niki Lauda-themed livery at the Italian Grand Prix?

On the eve of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari have unveiled the livery that their cars will wear at their home race at Monza, also showing off their one-off team kit.

Ferrari have revealed the special livery that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25s will wear at this year’s Italian Grand Prix – the first race at Monza for seven-time World Champion Hamilton since joining the Scuderia.

At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Ferrari will be paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s first World Championship title. It was 1975 when the Austrian driver, behind the wheel of the Ferrari 312 T, wrote a defining chapter in the team’s and company’s history, with the crowning glory at the Autodromo Nazionale.

On that Sunday, September 7, with Clay Regazzoni taking victory in the other Ferrari and Lauda finishing third, the Scuderia was back on top, clinching both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, ending an eleven-year drought and kicking-off a new era of success that would last (with only one exception) until 1979.

The 1975 312 T’s livery will be revived this weekend on the cars of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton which has been created with HP's special wrapping technology.

The unique method allows for significant changes to the car’s look, using a recyclable PVC film that is both lighter than in previous years and more resistant to the high temperatures generated by F1 cars.

As for the one-off Monza livery, Ferrari noted: "The SF-25s will reflect the signature traits of the legendary 312 T: the shade of red will match that of fifty years ago, the classic white longitudinal stripes will be present, as well as the drivers’ names written in cursive script.

"The race numbers will also hark back to the past with black numbers on a white rectangular background. The rear wing will be metallic silver, evoking the aluminium used in those days before carbon fibre became the F1 standard. The SF-25 engine cover will of course be white like Lauda’s car, and the wheels will feature a design inspired by the rims of the time."

In addition, the entire team will wear special kit inspired by the 1975 season, featuring the return of the rectangular Ferrari logo in place of the shield who will only be displayed on the cars.

Moreover, Leclerc and Hamilton will wear race suits, shoes, and helmets specially designed in the style and colours of the era. The 1975-inspired team kit and race suits were developed in partnership with Puma.