There is a famous quote said by motorsport journalist, Will Buxton, that describes the dedication of the Tifosi. He said “there are two religions in Italy: the Catholic Church and Ferrari.” There is a different kind of devotion and loyalty from the Tifosi to Ferrari. It is unwavering and relentless in a way that you more commonly see in religious faith than sports fandom.

Turning the grandstands red is the best visual of the Tifosi’s devotion. Most of the fans attending the Italian Grand Prix are wearing red, whether it be hats, Ferrari merch, or custom outfits, the fans in the stands blend together to create a sea of red. To add to this, fans bring massive Ferrari flags to cover the grand stands, only adding to the dramatics. The Tifosi also bring in red and orange smoke flares to light off during the start of the race,  key overtakes, and especially at the podium celebration.

The track invasion is a favorite part of many circuits, but none quite like Monza. The sea of red from the grandstands moves to the track to pack together for the podium celebration. For the podium celebration, the Tifosi also bring out a massive heart shaped Ferrari banner, the Cuore Rosso, that stretches across the track. That in combination with the haze from the smoke flares makes for incredible photos for the podium sitters.

Their standard podium celebration is already much more dramatic than most other Grand Prix, but truly nothing compares to when a Ferrari driver wins in Monza. The enthusiasm and excitement of the fans can be felt around the world, with the celebration reaching a height that could only, maybe, be matched by winning a world championship. Their enthusiasm doesn’t begin and end at Monza or even just with Ferrari, but their drivers as well. 

Il Predestinato, or The Predestined One, is a nickname coined by Sky Italia commentator Carlo Vanzini, in reference to Charles Leclerc. The nickname began when Leclerc was 15 and visiting Sky Italia for media training. He was asked what he would do if he started on pole, but his teammate was fighting for a championship, and his response was, “It will never be possible that we end up fighting for the title and it’s my teammate fighting for it instead of me.” 

Vanzini continued to refer to Leclerc as this nickname through the early parts of his career, but it became mainstream after Leclerc’s win at Monza in his first year with Ferrari. Leclerc was in a race-long battle with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes’, putting on a masterclass in defense as he held off the two senior drivers in just his second season in F1. This was the first time a Ferrari driver won at Monza in 9 years and it being a win delivered by Il Predestinato, made it even better. The celebration is said to be one of the loudest in F1 history!

Charles Leclerc won again at Monza in 2024, pulling off a strategy that many thought would not pay off. Coming off his home race win and the end of his home race curse a few races prior at Monaco, the Tifosi went into the weekend hopeful that the Chosen One would be able to pull off another miracle. Leclerc managed a one-stop strategy that allowed him to hold off the ever-threatening McLarens. Much like his first win at the track, the celebrations were nothing short of crazy.

Charles Leclerc was the Tifosi’s new hope after an era of drought for the historic team. Between their dedication to the team itself and its idolization of the Ferrari drivers, it is not a surprise to know that many consider the Tifosi to be some of the most passionate sport fans in the world.