Unforgettable Car Geniuses: Mauro Forghieri

At the end of 1961, Mauro Forghieri, then 26 years old, had recently graduated in engineering and had been working at Ferrari for two years in the technical department as an engine specialist. His first work experience was exhilarating: at Maranello, the technical responsibility for the racing department was in the hands of the famous Carlo Chiti, assisted by another genius, engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who was also part of the company’s management team. During those years, Ferrari had spectacular results: securing the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Titles in Formula 1, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 250 Testa Rossa in both 1960 and 1961, and claiming the World Championship for sports cars. The young engineer Forghieri was thriving but never imagined he would suddenly find himself responsible for Technical Direction.

Enzo Ferrari appointed Mauro Forghieri as head of technical direction for the Prancing Horse in 1962.

It was January 1962 when Enzo Ferrari summoned him to his office to inform him that, after the turbulent departure of Chiti and Bizzarrini, technical responsibility would be his. Ferrari, known as an “agitator of men,” proved to be a discoverer of talent with this decision. Forghieri's capabilities became evident immediately: the famous 250 GTO was under development but failing to meet expectations. Forghieri decisively addressed weight distribution (downforce through a redesigned tail) and numerous technical details, transforming it almost magically into the world’s most successful and coveted car. Simultaneously, he developed two new engines, a V8 and a V12, for Formula 1, reclaiming the World Title in 1964.

John Surtees became Formula 1 World Champion in 1964 thanks to Mauro Forghieri's innovations.

From that point on, Forghieri’s innovations shaped Formula 1 for years: adopting the “load-bearing” engine as part of the chassis, introducing aerodynamic wings, exploring ground effects with the flat V12 engine, and the transverse gearbox of the World Champion 312 T with Lauda. Furthermore, his Sports Prototypes masterpieces, starting with the 312 P and followed by the 412 P3 and P4, won World Titles and iconic victories such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, where Ferrari triumphed with a parade of three cars.

The parade finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967 highlighted Ferrari’s revenge against Ford after their victory at Le Mans the previous year.

Forghieri’s approach was lighthearted and friendly toward drivers and journalists alike. Adored by everyone, including his technicians and mechanics, he was renowned for the delightful aroma of tagliatelle al sugo wafting through the pits, cooked in an improvised kitchen in the back. For some years, even Lambrusco wine was allowed—later reserved for evening celebrations! This vibrant Capricorn, born on January 13, developed the electro-actuated gearbox—initially rejected by Villeneuve but later adopted by John Barnard—and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, which, unfortunately, remained a prototype.

Scenes from the past, with mechanics dining on Formula 1 cars, exemplify the harmony Mauro Forghieri fostered in the pits.

Despite changes at Maranello and Fiat technicians entering Ferrari’s Formula 1 realm, Forghieri’s enthusiasm and energy remained undiminished. In 1987, after achieving 11 World Titles, he joined Chrysler and Lamborghini at Lee Iacocca’s invitation to design a V12 Formula 1 engine that even Ayrton Senna desired. Unfortunately, the deal to power McLaren fell through, and Forghieri moved on: in 1992, he became Technical Director at Bugatti, creating the magnificent engine of the EB 110. Later, as a freelancer, he collaborated with BMW to develop its F1 engine.

A remarkable figure who passed away at 87 in November 2022. A man already etched in history.

After his Ferrari experience, Mauro Forghieri moved to Lamborghini, designing a V12 Formula 1 engine highly sought after by Ayrton Senna. Unfortunately, the deal did not materialize.