Photo: Mypoorbrain · CC BY 2.0
The Ferrari F2008 was the Scuderia's Formula 1 entry for the 2008 season, breaking cover in Maranello on January 6, 2008, as the first car launched that year. Key changes included the mandatory standard ECU supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems, which eliminated electronic driver aids like traction control and engine braking management. Piloted by Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa, the car took 8 wins from 18 races and clinched the Constructors' World Championship, though it missed out on the Drivers' crown. As of the 2026 season, it remains the most recent Ferrari to win that title.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- The standardized ECU stripped away traction control, engine braking management, and electronically assisted launch control.
- The F2008 weighed more than its predecessor, in part because the gearbox had to survive four consecutive race weekends and cockpit side-impact protection around the driver's helmet was raised.
- The Marlboro script was absent all season, replaced entirely by a barcode design, even though cigarette branding would have been legally allowed in Bahrain, Monaco, and China.
- In Hungary, Massa was forced to retire from the lead with an engine failure just three laps from the finish.
Learn moreStandardized electronic control unit · Launch and sponsors · Mishaps and incidents
Standardized electronic control unit
Under revised FIA sporting regulations, the F2008, like all cars on the grid, was fitted with a standard electronic control unit supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems. It stripped away most driver aids from prior seasons, including traction control, engine braking assistance, and electronic launch control, while standardizing control maps for the differential, engine, and gearshifts. Additional regulatory changes further increased the car's weight relative to the F2007.
Launch and sponsors
On January 6, 2008, Ferrari presented the car before approximately 80 journalists in Maranello, becoming the first team to reveal its challenger that year. The following day, Kimi Räikkönen turned its first laps at Fiorano. Like its predecessor, the F2008 was finished in solid red. Etihad Airways joined as a new sponsor, with logos positioned on the rear face of the rear wing. Martini returned for its third and final season, with its branding covered during the French Grand Prix due to national alcohol advertising laws.
Mishaps and incidents
The season was marked by multiple misfortunes. In Australia, Massa suffered nose and front-wing damage after a clash with David Coulthard, while Räikkönen's engine failed late in the race. In Monaco, Räikkönen damaged his front wing, and in Canada he lost his rear wing after Hamilton collided with him at the pit exit. During both the European Grand Prix in Valencia and in Singapore, a Ferrari was released from its pit stall with the fuel hose still attached. In Japan, Massa clashed with Hamilton on the second lap.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari F2008
When was the Ferrari F2008 raced?
The Ferrari F2008 was raced in 2008.
How much power does the Ferrari F2008 have?
Power of the Ferrari F2008: 785 hp at 19'000 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari F2008 have?
Engine of the Ferrari F2008: 2398 cm³ V8 (90°) naturally aspirated Ferrari Tipo 056-2008. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari F2008?
Engineering of the Ferrari F2008: Mario Almondo (Executive Technical Director); Aldo Costa (Technical Director); Nikolas Tombazis (Chief Designer); Marco Fainello ….
Who drove the Ferrari F2008?
Drivers of the Ferrari F2008: Finland Kimi Räikkönen, Brazil Felipe Massa.
How many races did the Ferrari F2008 win?
The Ferrari F2008 took 8 wins in 18 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari F2008?
Predecessor: F2007. Successor: F60.
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