F1 Into Uncharted Waters

Motor racing's most iconic team turning to the ocean with Ferrari Hypersail Project

- Kimberly Kwek

MARANELLO, Modena - After decades as a powerhouse on the racetrack, Ferrari are now turning their attention to the ocean.

The most successful team in Formula One history, with 16 constructors' and 15 drivers' championships to their name, officially announced their entry into offshore sailing on June 25 with the launch of the Ferrari Hypersail Project, unveiled during a press conference at their Maranello headquarters in Italy.

At the heart of the initiative is a 100-foot (30.5-metre) flying ocean racing monohull, currently under construction and expected to launch in 2026.

Leading the project is team principal Giovanni Soldini, a veteran Italian sailor with more than 30 years of experience in solo and crewed ocean racing. His achievements include multiple records and two solo round-the-world races.

The yacht's design is being overseen by Guillaume Verdier, a renowned French naval architect known for his role in developing the flying monohull used by Team New Zealand to win the 2021 America's Cup.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann described the new venture, which draws inspiration from its 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Hypercar, as both a technical and cultural evolution for the company.