From the very beginning of development, it was clear that the Ferrari F80 was to be the next supercar to continue the line of legendary Ferrari models that make up the success story of the Ferrari brand – including icons such as the GTO, the F40 and the LaFerrari. Each of these cars embodied state-of-the-art technology and design and became an icon. The F80 was now to become the Ferrari milestone of the 2020s – in close collaboration between designers, engineers, aerodynamicists and ergonomists. In the beginning, however, there was the fundamental question: single-seater or two-seater? This controversy led to the new “1+” architecture of the Ferrari F80. Based on the original idea of a single-seater, the F80 uncompromisingly places the driver at the centre. The passenger seat is slightly offset to the rear and almost invisible, thus emphasising the driver-oriented design. This fundamental redesign of the interior has a direct impact on the exterior proportions, as the cockpit is slimmer, which in turn visually broadens the shoulders of the vehicle and improves aerodynamics. The cabin rises from the lower body like a glass bubble structure, creating a spaceship-like silhouette. Every aspect of the architecture is designed to maximise performance: from the carbon chassis and the active aerodynamic elements to the louvred rear wall of the engine compartment, whose six slits – one for each cylinder – create a striking connection between the geometric lines and the sculpturally flowing surfaces, between technology and form. Every line, every opening follows a function and is the result of a holistic, interdisciplinary design process. “The F80 is taking on a great legacy – and seems to be up to the task,” said the jury. “It masterfully combines design elements typical of the brand with completely new design approaches in the exterior and interior. In combination with its innovative technical equipment, the F80 is truly groundbreaking. Its exterior, with its almost poetic tension between sculptural elegance and futuristic aesthetics, exudes a fascination that is hard to resist.” Whether the F80 will join the ranks of the legends remains to be seen – but as a design statement, it is already a milestone.