Agnelli, Ferrari and Schumi

Fiat’s Gianni Agnelli prevented Ferrari from going bust in 1969 and being sold to Ford then, after founder Enzo Ferrari died, he owned 90 percent of the famous manufacturer. Agnelli fell in love with the F1 team and oversaw some legendary drivers claim their championships.

Picture above: Gianni Agnelli and Luca di Montezemolo welcome Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine, the new Scuderia Ferrari drivers for 1996 season and beyond. Hopes are high, and Agnelli declares: “He (Schumacher) didn’t come for free, far from it, but I am delighted to have him in the team.”

John Elkann, his grandson, and now his successor at the helm of the group, remembers: “His favourite driver was the one who won, I think that’s why he loved Michael Schumacher. He really idolised Michael, the winner but also the person. Then, he liked Gilles Villeneuve, his way of driving. And Ayrton Senna, who, had he not died so tragically would have come to Ferrari the following year.”

“He loved talent and courage and also recognised them in his opponents. He was a true sportsman”, said grandson Lapo Elkann who concludes: “He loved Ferrari cars and he loved all the beautiful things in life.”