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“Beyond the Finish Line: F1 Mechanic’s Final Wish Fulfilled in Emotional FIA Tribute
The roars of engines faded for a moment at the Monaco Grand Prix—not for a crash, nor a victory lap, but for a reason that brought even the toughest racers to tears.
Just before the final practice on Saturday, Formula 1 teams, officials, and fans stood in solemn silence as the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) paid tribute to Luca Moretti, a beloved Ferrari mechanic who passed away last week after a year-long battle with cancer.
Luca, 56, had spent more than two decades working in the shadows of the paddock, ensuring every bolt, gear, and tire was in perfect harmony for the team’s legendary machines. But what made Luca unforgettable wasn’t just his technical mastery—it was his infectious smile, his quiet mentorship to young engineers, and his unwavering love for the sport.
Diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, Luca made just one request:
“Let me hear the engine one last time… in Monaco.”
And the FIA made sure that dream came true.
In a coordinated effort with Ferrari and the FIA, Luca was flown in last month in secret to witness a private test day. As the SF-24 roared down the track, Luca, wheelchair-bound but beaming, whispered, “That’s the sound of my life.”
This past weekend, the FIA honored him with a powerful gesture. A special decal bearing Luca’s name and the words “Forever in the Garage” was placed on every Ferrari car. During the pre-race broadcast, drivers like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton spoke emotionally about the people behind the scenes who rarely get the spotlight.
“He never chased fame. He just wanted the cars to fly,” said Leclerc, who dedicated his podium finish to Luca. “This sport breaks you, builds you, and sometimes… heals you. Luca was a healer.”
Fans around the world have flooded social media with tributes under the hashtag #ForLuca, sharing how the FIA’s gesture reminded them that even in a sport defined by speed, it’s the moments of stillness and humanity that leave the most lasting mark.
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