Ferrari explain choice of name for the new F1 car
Ford already had a commercial pick-up truck called the F-150 before Ferrari unveiled their new single-seater last month.
Ford have since decided to sue Ferrari over the use of the name, which was chosen by the Scuderia in homage to the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.
“On the subject of the name of the new Ferrari Formula One car, the Maranello company wishes to point out that it has sent a letter of reply to Ford, underlining the fact that the F150 designation (used as the abbreviated version of the complete name, which is Ferrari F150th Italia) never has, nor ever will be used as the name of a commercially available product – indeed there will definitely not be a production run of single-seaters," said a Ferrari statement on their website.
“This year, the decision was taken to dedicate the car name to a particularly significant event, the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, an event of such great importance that the Italian government has declared, for this year only, a national holiday.
“Therefore it is very difficult to understand Ford’s viewpoint on the matter.
“Despite this and to further prove it is acting in good faith and that it operates in a completely correct manner, Ferrari has decided to ensure that in all areas of operation, the abbreviated version will be replaced at all times with the full version, Ferrari F150th Italia."