Ferrari 150th Italia (Italy, 2011)

The Ferrari challenger for 2011, first known as F150 and later renamed Ferrari 150th Italia, was presented at Maranello and is the fifty-second single seater in the history of Ferrari. The name F150 was chosen as a tribute to the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Unification of Italy.

The F150 bears the codename 662 and is the result of the introduction of new technical and sporting regulations that have been approved for the 2011 season.

Innovations on the F150 stemming from the new regulations are the absence of the double diffuser, the blown rear wing, the use of apertures in the front part of the floor, while introducing an hydraulically controlled adjustable rear wing. The KERS was reintroduced for 2011 due to the increase in the car’s minimum weight and stricter controls on weight distribution figures. This technology had a significant impact on the design of the single-seater, especially regarding the dimensions of the fuel cell, which differ greatly to those of 2009.

Introduction of stricter safety requirements in terms of crash-tests, cockpit area protection and wheel-retaining cables for use in accidents was also responsible for some design changes on the new Ferrari.

The F150 monocoque seems higher than the F10 and its openings for the side air intakes have been reduced in size. The one standing above the driver’s head has been modified. The F150 received a new designed rear suspension and a modified front one, adapting to the changes to the front part of the chassis.  While the cooling system was adapted because of the reintroduction of KERS and the new air exit ducts, the exhaust system is similar to the one introduced for the second half of last season. Brembo worked with Scuderia Ferrari on the complete redesign of the braking system.

With performance development on the engines still frozen, no actual modifications have been made on the 056 engine for 2011. However, Ferrari engineers focused on improving reliability by working especially on the pneumatic front, as well as on reducing costs. The front end architecture of the engine also suffered significant changes because of the reintroduction of KERS.

A few weeks after its presentation, Ferrari changed the name the F150 into Ferrari 150th Italia because of a lawsuit started by Ford claiming a trademark infringement of its F-150 model.