Legendary Ferrari F1 designer Mauro Forghieri dies at 87
Mauro Forghieri, the Italian engineer who became an iconic figure in Formula 1 as he helped Ferrari win numerous titles, has died. He was 87.
During a lengthy career as the technical chief at Ferrari, from 1962 to 1984, he helped guide Ferrari to four drivers’ titles, seven constructors’ crowns and 54 grand prix victories.
He originally joined Ferrari as an apprentice in 1960, having graduated from the University of Bologna with a mechanical engineering degree.
Having made a good early impression, following the departure of then chief designer Carlo Chiti in 1961, he was asked by team founder Enzo Ferrari to step up to head up the technical aspects at the team.
Enzo Ferrari and Mauro Forghieri
Photo by: David Phipps
During his tenure he was instrumental in creating some of the squad’s most successful and famous F1 designs.
This included the V8-powered 158 that John Surtees won the world title with in 1964, as well as the 312 series of both grand prix and sportscar fame.
Other drivers he helped win the championships with at Ferrari included Niki Lauda, and Jody Scheckter.
Forghieri finally left his position as technical director in 1984 and switched to a new role working on the Ferrari 408 4RM concept car. When that project was completed, he left Ferrari for good in 1987.
Following his long career at Ferrari, Forghieri moved to Lamborghini where he worked on its V12 engine that raced in F1 in 1989 and 1990.
He was also briefly involved in the ultimately stalled efforts for a new Lamborghini-backed GLAS F1 team, which then became the Modena squad in 1991.
When Lamborghini’s engineering department was reorganised at the end of 1991, and the Modena team ran out of funding, Forghieri left and helped setup the mechanical design Oral Engineering Group, whose clients included BMW, Bugatti and Aprilia. He was still involved with the project until recently.
Mauro Forghieri consults Niki Lauda
Photo by: David Phipps
The Italian kept a close eye on F1 and several years ago famously made it clear how he did not like the current rules that allowed for DRS.
"I dislike the whole aerodynamics of the current cars,” he said. “I don't understand why it is not reduced in order to allow normal overtaking without DRS.
"Now, if one's opponent is less than a second behind, he can only watch as his pursuer goes past - and that cannot be correct.
"A world champion needs to be in a position to overtake his opponent without help. Otherwise, in my eyes, he is not a world champion.”
As the result of his historical contribution to Ferrari, Forghieri receiving honorary citizenship of Modena last January.
Jacky Ickx with Mauro Forghieri
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Related video
Norris: Mexico F1 strategy "a mistake" relative to McLaren teammate Ricciardo
Ferrari’s rivals don’t think Mexico slump was true reflection of F1 form
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen
Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen
Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen Hamilton: Red Bull is most dominant F1 car I’ve seen
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy
Super Formula drivers doubt new car will make following easier
Super Formula drivers doubt new car will make following easier Super Formula drivers doubt new car will make following easier
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations
How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations
How did the 2023 F1 rookies fare in Bahrain?
How did the 2023 F1 rookies fare in Bahrain? How did the 2023 F1 rookies fare in Bahrain?
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.