In 1961 new Formula 1 regulations reducing engine displacement from 2.5 to 1.5 litres were introduced. Ferrrai built the new F1 vehicle based on 1.5-L F2 machine, 156 F2. The Carlo Chitti designed car featured a tubular spaceframe chassis and was powered by 1476 cc naturally aspirated V6 engine positioned in the middle of the car behind the driver’s seat. The most distinctive feature of the car was its characteristic air intake “nostrils”, thanks to which the car was nicknamed “sharknose”. American Phil Hill and German Wolfgang Berghe von Trips were 1961 Ferrari works drivers. Hill won the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix and took the Driver’s World Championship. Von Trips won in Holland and UK and was second in the Championship.
Mexican Ricardo Rodriguez, younger brother of Pedro Rodriguez, was given a guest drive by Ferrari for the 1961 Italian Grand Prix. At the age of 19 years and 208 days he became the youngest Formula One driver to start a Formula One race until the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix. Ricardo qualifying a surprise second, and in the race he exchanged the lead with Phil Hill and Richie Ginther many times, until a fuel pump failure ended his race. In 1962 he got a full works drive with Ferrari, but was left without a drive when Ferrari opted not to enter the non-Championship 1962 Mexican Grand Prix at the Magdalena Mixiuhca Circuit, Mexico City. He signed to drive Rob Walker’s Lotus 24, but died during the first day of unofficial practice, when the Lotus’ rear right suspension failed at the fearsome Peraltada turn, and it hit the barriers.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1961 | F1WC | Italian GP |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Ricardo Rodriguez | 8 | cuderia Ferrari SpA SEFAC |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:43 | Brumm | |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| R642 new 2019 | 
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