The motorsport community mourns as Pope Francis passes away at 88, leaving a profound impact far beyond the Catholic Church.
- Pope Francis’s death announced on Easter Monday; his funeral is set for the following Saturday.
- F1 figures, including Stefano Domenicali, Franco Colapinto, and Sergio Perez, share heartfelt tributes.
- Pope Francis, known for his exceptional humanity and spiritual strength, leaves a lasting legacy.
- There is a possibility of F1 teams paying tribute at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.
This Easter Monday brought somber news with the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 after a period of ill health. Known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Buenos Aires, his death signifies the end of over a decade of remarkable papacy since he was elected in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis’s funeral is scheduled for the following Saturday, which will be the precursor to the selection of his successor.
In the world of motorsport, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, joined others in paying tribute. Domenicali, who led Ferrari when Pope Francis was elected as the head of the Catholic Church, expressed his sorrow through a statement that reverberated with emotion. He remembered Pope Francis for his gaze that spoke of peace and his remarkable kindness, noting, “Pope Francis was an authentic example of dialogue, kindness, and mercy.” The Italian executive emphasized that the Pope’s smile and legacy of humanity will endure forever.
Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto took to social media to honor the spiritual leader. Drawing from his personal sentiment, Colapinto described the Pope as a leader who inspired many through his humility and encouraged people to find inner strength and inspiration. This heartfelt message of gratitude highlighted the personal impact Pope Francis had on individuals worldwide.
Sergio Perez, known as the most successful Mexican driver in the history of Formula 1, also shared his thoughts on social media. He wished for the Pope’s message of peace and love to resonate eternally, signing off with a respectful “Rest in peace, Holy Father.” The drivers’ tributes underscore the Pope’s influence, transcending his traditional boundaries and reaching into various global communities, including Formula 1.
Historically, Formula 1 teams like Ferrari have paid tribute to the passing of popes, like when they raced with a black nose cone following Pope John Paul II’s death in 2005. There is ongoing speculation about whether similar gestures will be seen at the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 4. Whatever the outcome, the respect and admiration for Pope Francis’s contributions are evident across mediums and platforms.
Pope Francis’s legacy of peace and kindness remains celebrated throughout the F1 community and beyond.
