An Exclusive Interview on F40: A Journey Discovering the Legend, Capturing the Power, Passion, and Precision of Ferrari’s Iconic Supercar
We could have started this conversation with an interview focusing on Alessio Zanei himself—his background as an aerospace engineer, his journey as an author, or the years of research that went into writing F40: A Journey Discovering the Legend . But in the spirit of the book and the philosophy behind this tribute to the Ferrari F40, we want to skip the pleasantries and get straight into what matters: the experience and the data.
The F40 is a car that speaks for itself, as does this book. It’s about spreading the love and admiration for this ultimate supercar, celebrating its unparalleled performance, raw beauty, and engineering brilliance. With Alessio’s vivid storytelling and deep technical insights, we dive right into the world of the F40, giving you an unfiltered taste of what it’s like to stand beside, start-up, and drive one of the most thrilling cars ever built. Let’s get straight into the magic and understand why the Ferrari F40 continues to leave us in awe.
Interviewer: Alessio, your descriptions of the F40 suggest a sense of intimidation and awe when standing next to it. What about the F40’s presence commands such reverence, and how does that affect your emotional connection to the car?
Alessio Zanei: The Ferrari F40 has a presence that’s hard to describe until you’re standing next to it. It commands respect. The car’s design is not about prettiness; it’s about raw aggression, and that’s what strikes you. The low-slung, muscular stance and the angular, purposeful lines feel intimidating, almost as if you’re in the presence of something alive and untamed. You don’t simply look at an F40; you feel its energy, like standing beside a caged wild animal ready to pounce. This emotional connection is deep because the car embodies an era of uncompromising performance. Enzo Ferrari’s vision of speed at all costs lives within this machine, and that philosophy is palpable. It’s why enthusiasts like me have such a visceral reaction to it.
Interviewer: You mention that the F40’s raw engineering philosophy prioritizes performance over luxury. In today’s era of technology and driver aids, do you think that ethos is still relevant, or is it becoming an endangered concept?
Alessio Zanei: It’s becoming rarer, and that’s one reason why the F40 is so revered today. Modern supercars are packed with electronics that make driving easier and safer, which isn’t bad, but it dilutes the raw connection between car and driver. The F40 is an artifact from when performance meant mechanical purity—no power steering, anti-lock brakes, or stability control. It’s a car that demands your full attention and engagement, rewarding skill and punishing carelessness. This approach feels almost rebellious in an era of autonomous features and digital interfaces. It’s a reminder of a lost art in car design, where the driver was an integral part of the equation. While there’s still a place for this philosophy among purists, it’s undeniably endangered as the world shifts toward automation and efficiency.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about the driving experience in more practical terms. You describe the F40 as surprisingly manageable at low speeds. How does that duality—being tame in traffic but ferocious on the open road—impact how owners approach driving it regularly?
Alessio Zanei: That duality is one of the most intriguing aspects of the F40. It’s a paradox: at low speeds, it’s docile and surprisingly easy to handle. The smooth clutch, sensitive throttle, and light, unassisted steering make it manageable in daily traffic, which is counterintuitive given its race car heritage. But that composure is deceptive. The moment you have room to push, the car transforms. The engine wakes up, the boost builds, and suddenly, you’re hanging on as it rockets forward with almost violent force. This split personality makes the F40 unpredictable and thrilling. Owners must be constantly aware of what the car is capable of, and that awareness shapes how they drive it. Even if it’s compliant in the city, you never forget that you’re sitting on a volcano of performance waiting to erupt.
Interviewer: Your book emphasizes the physicality and purity of driving the F40, especially with the heavy brakes and responsive steering. How does that physical demand change how you perceive and enjoy driving compared to modern sports cars?
Alessio Zanei: Driving the F40 is physically and mentally demanding, making it so engaging. Every input matters—you feel every bump through the unassisted steering, and the brakes require real force, making stopping feel like an event rather than a casual pedal tap. In modern cars, everything is so refined and filtered. The experience is often muted by layers of technology that dampen the raw sensations. With the F40, there’s no buffer between you and the car’s capabilities. You’re fully connected, and that makes even mundane drives an adventure. The sense of accomplishment and adrenaline you get from mastering a corner or perfectly timing a gearshift is much more rewarding because you know the car isn’t helping you. You, your skill, and the machine working in unison—or sometimes wrestling for control. It’s a level of involvement that’s almost meditative, even if it leaves your arms and legs sore after a spirited drive.
Interviewer: The F40 is known for pushing the limits of tire traction and the balance of handling at high speeds. In your experience, how does this unpredictability influence how you approach a drive on public roads versus a controlled environment like a racetrack?
Alessio Zanei: The unpredictability of the F40’s handling is a double-edged sword. On a racetrack, where the environment is predictable, and there’s space to explore the car’s limits safely, you can fully unleash the F40’s power and truly appreciate the precision of its engineering. The chassis is incredibly rigid, and the car communicates every nuance of grip, which is exhilarating. But on public roads, that same precision becomes a source of caution. The surface quality, unexpected bumps, and tighter blind corners make you constantly aware of the car’s limits. You must adjust your driving style, anticipate the car’s reaction, and be conservative with power on uneven surfaces. Even at lower speeds, the F40 feels like it’s straining at the leash, ready to break free. So, on public roads, it’s all about respect—respect for the car’s abilities and the inherent risks. You savor moments of acceleration in the right conditions but hold back more than you ever would on a track.
Interviewer: One thing that stands out in your book is the F40’s relentless noise and harshness. Do you think discomfort adds to the experience, or is it a genuine drawback for long drives?
Alessio Zanei: The relentless noise and harshness are part of the F40’s charm and challenge. The cockpit amplifies every sound, turning road noise and wind into a symphony of chaos. At high speeds, conversation is impossible, and the constant roar can wear you down over long distances. But for enthusiasts, this is part of the appeal. It makes the car feel alive and amplifies the sensation of speed. You’re constantly reminded that you’re driving a machine built for performance, not comfort. However, it’s undeniable that the F40 can be fatiguing for a long journey. The lack of amenities and the harsh ride would make most people long for a break. So, whether it’s a drawback or an enhancement depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a luxury tourer, the F40 isn’t it. But if you crave a visceral, adrenaline-fueled experience that engages all your senses, the noise and discomfort become integral parts of the thrill.
