Andrea Bertolini’s last dance

There comes a time when a champion, a driver, decides to say “enough”. Ferrari official driver, Andrea Bertolini, has decided to retire from racing. He made the announcement at Monza, during round two of the GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup, during a press conference attended by journalists, photographers, media professionals, and Stéphane Ratel himself (head of SRO), who applauded and paid tribute to him. It was his 309th race, and he came fourth in the Bronze Cup, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. He had previously stood on the podium 128 times, claiming 58 wins, 26 pole positions, 17 fastest laps and 10 international titles. Exceptional numbers from an extraordinary career. He chose the Autodromo Nazionale Monza because it was there, at the Temple of Speed, that he began racing in 2001 – at the wheel of a Porsche in the FIA GT Championship – with Ferrari’s permission, as he had already started working as a test driver.

Of those ten titles, which one stands out?

“I’ll answer that right away: 2006. That was the turning point – after so many disappointments, we finally got what we deserved. I started out in 2001, and in my first season I didn’t manage to win. Then, in 2003, we became a factory team with the Ferrari 360 GTC and lost the FIA GT championship due to a mechanical fault. In 2004, I began developing the Maserati MC12 and contested only four races that season, again falling short of the title. Then, in 2005, a fantastic year: in the final race in Bahrain, we only needed to finish fourth to become champions, but another mechanical issue stopped us. At that point, I seriously began to think I was one of those drivers everyone sees as fast but unlucky. That’s why the 2006 title meant everything. It changed something inside me. Winning helps you win again, and I always say that to the younger drivers I work with, the ones I act as a sort of big brother to. You feel lighter, and your mindset makes that leap that makes all the difference.”

Which victories do you remember most fondly?

“Fifty-eight is a lot; it’s hard to choose. But I have a special bond with the 24 Hours of Spa because, in my opinion, it’s the toughest GT endurance race of all, both physically and mentally. In 2006, we won it after a fierce contest: it remains one of the best wins of my career. And then the 24 Hours at the Circuit de la Sarthe, because Le Mans is always Le Mans. And how could I forget Monza? Winning here is something special.”

What legacy do you leave to the younger generation? 

“Maybe you’d have to ask them. What I can say is that I started from scratch. My father wasn’t in motorsport; he just wanted to keep me away from bad influences. I did everything myself, step by step. Then, I was fortunate enough to meet the right people at the right time. But you have to be ready: the opportunity comes to everyone, but if you’re not ready, it may never come again. The human connection with the people I worked with was extremely helpful. You can have talent, but if you don’t apply your mind and effort, you won’t last long. I’m proud that I chose myself when to stop. I wasn’t pushed out: if anything, they were almost trying to get me to carry on. But in the end, I said ‘enough’ myself. And that’s a privilege.”

The best memory from this long adventure? 

“One memory isn’t enough. Sure, the wins matter, but for me, it was, above all, the human relationships that made the difference. The people I shared experiences with, the moments we went through together: those are what stay with you. One of the most intense experiences? The day Jean Todt called me into his office to tell me I would be testing in F1. It was a childhood dream… and then I actually found myself there.” 

How do you pick yourself up after failure or defeat?

“In Bahrain, in 2005, I was in the stands watching the last part of the race, and I was alone when the car stopped. That’s when I began to think and understand. My strength was resetting. Always. I have a wonderful family that gives me energy. Even on difficult days, they help me. And then the next day is another day: you have to improve again, fine-tune the details, and try once more. I’ve never felt pressure; maybe that was my strength.”

What will you miss most? 

“The competition, the constant challenge. Perhaps I’ll come up with something with my son. Maybe we’ll do downhill bike races…”

Could there be a “new Bertolini”? 

“I hope so, and I hope he’s better than me! My advice? Choose to surround yourself with genuine people, the kind who tell you straight when you’re wrong. If you want to improve, you must be able to recognise your mistakes. Being quick isn’t enough. In this sport, people have a long memory for mistakes: mess up three times, and you get labelled. You need intelligence. The driver is just the tip of the iceberg: behind him, there’s a team slogging away. Win, and your name will be remembered. You need to get your name on the list of winners. That’s what counts. This new generation has genuine talent; for me, they’re special kids, and I can only hope they have as much fun as I did. Before the races, I always tell them: ‘Have fun!’ And we all know you only really have fun when you’re doing well and winning, so if you get it, you get it.”

The next chapter?

“I’ll still be in motorsport. I won’t be hanging up my helmet… I’ll continue to work on the development of Ferrari and Maserati cars, and I’ll be at Spa for the next 24 Hours, supporting my teammates in the number 52 and the Maranello-based manufacturer’s other official drivers. Young people keep me young.”