At FerrariThe brand image is not up for discussion. Historically, a Scuderia driver must embody the excellence of the Cavallino Rampante... even in his garage. This rule, instituted by Enzo Ferrari himself, forbids his drivers to buy a new car of any other make. Yet one man dared to defy this unwritten law: Gerhard Berger.
Irreverent Berger
A Ferrari driver from 1987 to 1989, the fiery Austrian was remembered not for his victories, which were rare at the time, but for his speed and personality. In 1989, while still officially a Ferrari driver, Berger committed a sacrilege: he bought a Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, a veritable icon from Sant'Agata Bolognese and a direct competitor to the Ferrari Testarossa.
An affront? Not entirely. By the time he signed the purchase order, Berger had already announced his departure for McLaren. But that didn't stop him from proudly driving the Countach, even daring to show it off in Maranello.
A legendary Lamborghini, recently sold
The Countach purchased by Berger wasn't just any Countach. It was one of the latest 5000 QVs, equipped with a 5-liter V12 developing 455 to 470 hp, depending on estimates, compared to the 390 hp of the Testarossa. A machine as sublime as it was untameable, with no electronic assistance and a rather... Italian ergonomics: to reverse, you had to open the door and stick your head out.
This car reappeared on the scene in February 2025 at the Rétromobile show in Paris, where it was auctioned by Artcurial. Estimated at between €360,000 and €420,000, it finally sold for €405,280. It retained the original invoice in the name of Gerhard Berger and its signed service book up to 1990. A true piece of F1 history.
And what about today? Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton
More than thirty years after Berger's audacity, Ferrari's drivers scrupulously respect tradition. Charles Leclerc is only seen driving models bearing the prancing horse: Ferrari Purosangue, SF90 Stradale, SP3 Daytona. Carlos Sainz also drove Ferrari Roma and 812 Superfast cars until 2024, before receiving his own SP3 Daytona.
But one question is on everyone's lips: Which Ferrari will Lewis Hamilton drive now that he's joining the Scuderia? The Briton already owns an impressive collection of Ferraris, including a LaFerrari, a LaFerrari Aperta and a 599 GTO. But there's a persistent rumor that a Ferrari SP4, an exclusive supercar in homage to the legendary F40, could be unveiled this year.
Ferrari continues to ensure that its drivers are also ambassadors for the brand, both on the track and on the road. Yet Gerhard Berger's story is a reminder that there have always been free spirits, capable of breaking the rules for a genuine passion for motoring... even if it meant driving a Lamborghini.
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