Postcard from Minardi Day 2025 in Imola 🏁

March F1 761 

This year, I had the incredible chance to visit Minardi Day 2025 in Imola — a celebration of motorsport history, passion, and unforgettable memories. 

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is already a magical place for any racing fan, but during Minardi Day it becomes something even more special: a living museum of Formula 1 and motorsport culture.

Historic Formula 1 Cars 🔥

Lotus F1 79

Walking through the paddock felt like stepping back in time. The variety of Formula 1 cars was breathtaking — from the legendary Tyrrell P34 six-wheeler to the elegant Lotus 72E, the ground-breaking Lotus 79, and the rare Lotus Type 91. There were also icons like the Wolf WR1, Shadow DN3 and DN12, and a pair of Arrows A1 and A20.

Ferrari F1 412 T1 Jean Alesi - season 1994 🏁

Of course, Italian passion was everywhere: the Ferrari 412 T1, several historic Minardi machines such as the M189 and PS04/B, plus the Fondmetal GR03 and Osella FA1G. International stars were also on display, including a March 701, a Williams FW33 from the modern era, and even a stunning McLaren MP4-15 once driven by Mika Häkkinen. Simply watching these cars come alive on track was spine-tingling, a journey across decades of F1 history compressed into one weekend.

Tyrrell P34 six-wheeler

Meeting the Legend 👋

with the motorsport legend  Arturio Merzario 

One of the highlights of the day was meeting Arturo Merzario, a true Formula 1 legend whose career and charisma still captivate fans. Equally exciting was seeing the future of motorsport in the eyes of Alister Yoong, a young and talented driver carrying the passion of a new generation.

with Alister Yoong

Dream Cars and Hypercars 🚗💨

Praga Bohema

The  event wasn’t just about F1. There were stunning road cars and hypercars on display — a dream garage for any enthusiast. From the Praga Bohema to the Dallara Stradale, and the breathtaking lineup from Pagani, the exhibition showcased the pinnacle of design and performance.

Dallara Stradale Barchetta

Touring Cars and Motorsport Icons 🏆

LANCIA LC2 1983 - 1986

Beyond Formula 1, the track also hosted touring cars and racing machines that shaped the history of motorsport. Each one carried stories of epic battles, legendary circuits, and unforgettable victories.

A Special Tribute 🙏

No visit to Imola would be complete without paying respects at the monument dedicated to Ayrton Senna. Standing there, in front of the statue, was a deeply moving moment — a reminder of the passion, talent, and humanity of one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever known.

Minardi Day 2025 was more than just an event — it was a celebration of racing heritage, a gathering of legends, and a glimpse into the future of motorsport. I left Imola with a heart full of memories, the sound of engines in my ears, and the spirit of racing stronger than ever.

See you next year 🏁🏁🏁

Credit pic: Steve Bago

René Arnoux Ferrari Firing Mystery: Untold Story of a Legendary F1 Driver

The Sudden Dismissal of René Arnoux: A Formula 1 Mystery

Renè Arnoux 

René Arnoux, remembered as one of the most talented and fearless drivers of his era, stunned the racing world when Ferrari suddenly terminated his contract. 

Even today, neither Arnoux nor Scuderia Ferrari has offered an explanation. Fans, journalists, and historians alike are left to speculate: what really happened behind the scenes?

Arnoux’s Stellar Career: Too Talented to Be Fired?

Renè Arnoux - Scuderia Ferrari F1 season 1984 

Performance issues? Highly unlikely. Arnoux consistently proved himself on the track. With multiple podium finishes and impressive race strategies, he was one of Ferrari’s top drivers. In a team known for high standards and passionate expectations, Arnoux’s firing seemed almost paradoxical. Was Ferrari willing to sacrifice a driver of his caliber for reasons not related to racing?

Rumors and Speculations: Personal Conflicts at Ferrari

Renè Arnoux - Team Renault F1 season 1979

The most persistent theories revolve around personal clashes and off-track behavior. Sources close to Ferrari hint that Arnoux’s personality may have conflicted with team leadership or disrupted the internal harmony of the legendary Scuderia. While no official statements exist, these whispers of tension, disagreements, or unspoken incidents have fueled speculation and mystery for decades.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Ferrari was a team under intense pressure. Team dynamics, political maneuvering, and strict discipline often played as crucial a role as speed on the track. In this context, even a small conflict could lead to drastic consequences—like the abrupt termination of a top driver.

The Hidden Side of Formula 1

Arnoux’s case highlights a fundamental truth about Formula 1: results alone don’t always dictate a driver’s fate. Team culture, personality clashes, and the politics behind the scenes can sometimes be more decisive than lap times or podium finishes. In Arnoux’s story, the behind-the-scenes drama adds a layer of intrigue that makes F1 history even more fascinating.

Scuderia Ferrari F1 season 1983
Renè Arnoux - Patrick Tambay

Why Fans Still Discuss René Arnoux’s Ferrari Exit

For Ferrari enthusiasts and Formula 1 historians, Arnoux’s dismissal remains one of the sport’s most captivating mysteries. It reminds us that Formula 1 is not just about cars, circuits, and speed—it’s about people, personalities, and untold stories that happen away from the spotlight.

Even decades later, the René Arnoux Ferrari firing continues to intrigue fans worldwide. Was it a clash of egos, a disagreement behind closed doors, or simply a mysterious decision lost to history? Whatever the truth, it remains a fascinating chapter in F1 history, highlighting how human dynamics can influence the careers of even the most gifted drivers.

Renè Arnoux 1984

From Williams to Ferrari: Iconic F1 Cars of 1981

Williams Cosworth FW07C

The 1981 Formula 1 season marked a critical transitional period in the sport’s technological evolution.