Why is the Ferrari logo a horse?

The horse was originally the personal emblem of Count Francesco Baracca, a legendary Italian WWI fighter pilot. In 1923, his mother told Enzo Ferrari that using the "Prancing Horse" on his racing cars would bring good luck. Enzo adopted it, adding the canary-yellow background of Modena.

What do the colours in the Ferrari logo mean?

The black horse represents the original pilot's emblem. The canary yellow (Giallo Modena) is the official colour of the city of Modena, Enzo's birthplace. The green, white, and red stripes at the top represent the Italian national flag, the Tricolore .

What is the difference between the Ferrari shield and the rectangle?

The shield (Scudetto) is specifically for the racing division, Scuderia Ferrari, and includes the initials "S.F." The rectangular badge is the corporate logo for Ferrari S.p.A., the car manufacturer, and features the full "Ferrari" logotype at the bottom.

What font does the Ferrari logo use?

The Ferrari logotype uses a custom-designed slab-serif typeface. It is characterised by the elongated horizontal stroke of the letter "f," which creates a "roof" over the other letters, symbolising speed, stability, and shelter.

Has the Ferrari logo ever changed?

Yes, but subtly. The most significant modern refinement occurred in 2002, when Seidl Design sharpened the horse's silhouette for better digital and physical reproduction. Minor tweaks have continued into 2026 to ensure the logo works on 3D backlit EV displays.

Why is the background of the Ferrari logo yellow and not red?

While "Rosso Corsa" (Racing Red) is the traditional colour of Italian racing cars, the brand's identity is tied to Enzo's home. He chose yellow because it is the colour of Modena. It also provides a high-contrast background for the black horse.

Who designed the original Ferrari logo?

While the horse was borrowed from Baracca, Enzo Ferrari himself, along with his early team, designed the initial layout. Over the decades, various designers and agencies, including Seidl Design, have been commissioned to refine and modernise the technical specifications.

How can I legally download a vector version of the Ferrari logo for a project?

Unless you are an authorised partner or journalist, there is no "legal" way to use the logo for commercial purposes. For educational or "fair use" reviews, you should use a high-quality SVG or WEBP from the Ferrari Newsroom to ensure the Tricolore colours are colour-accurate.

What changed in the 2002 Seidl Design update?

The agency Seidl Design removed the thin black lines between the green, white, and red of the Tricolore to improve digital rendering. They also sharpened the "hair" on the horse's mane, making it easier to laser-etch on titanium parts.

What is the "Ferrari" font called?

It is a bespoke, proprietary slab-serif. While many attempt to mimic it with "Ferro Rosso" or similar fonts, the true 2026 version has specific kerning and a unique "roof" stroke on the letter 'f' that is not found in public libraries.

What is the "S.F." on the Ferrari logo?

"S.F." stands for Scuderia Ferrari, which translates to "Ferrari Stable." This mark is used exclusively by the racing team and appears on the fenders of Ferrari road cars as a nod to its racing pedigree.

Is the Ferrari logo protected by copyright?

Yes, Ferrari has some of the world's most aggressive trademark protections. They own the rights not just to the logo itself, but to the specific "Cavallino" silhouette and even the distinct shapes of certain car models as trade dress.

How does the Ferrari logo work in 2026?

In 2026, the logo has evolved into a "Smart Asset." On newer EV models, it is often backlit or made from sustainable composite materials, ensuring it remains visible and prestigious as the market moves away from traditional internal combustion cues.

What can entrepreneurs learn from the Ferrari logo?

Entrepreneurs should learn the value of "Technical Rigour." A logo must be more than just an image; it must be a scalable, high-contrast, and legally defensible asset that conveys authority and quality without saying a word.

Ferrari Logo History: The "Prancing Horse" Symbol Explained