Minardi was an iconic Italian automobile racing team and constructor that left an enduring mark on the Formula One World Championship from 1985 to 2005. Founded by Giancarlo Minardi in Faenza, the team enjoyed a passionate fan base despite struggling to achieve significant success. In a pivotal move to secure the team's future, Minardi sold it to Paul Stoddart in 2001, who led the team for five years before selling it to Red Bull GmbH in 2005. The team was then renamed Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Throughout its Formula One journey, Minardi accumulated a total of 38 championship points, with driver Pierluigi Martini contributing 16 of them. Martini also achieved the team's sole front row start at the 1990 United States Grand Prix and led a lap during the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone. Despite not reaching the podium, Minardi managed three 4th-place finishes, with Martini accomplishing this feat twice in 1991 and Christian Fittipaldi in 1993.
Over the course of 21 seasons, Minardi fielded a total of 37 drivers, including 13 with Italian nationality and others representing 13 different nationalities. Notably, Martini holds the record for starting in 103 Grands Prix for the team, followed by Morbidelli and Gené with 33 starts each. The Minardi team left an indelible legacy in the world of Formula One with their dedication and enduring presence on the racing circuit.
