The Italian Navy is racing an F-35B fighter against a Ferrari in a high-speed exhibition

The Italian Navy has announced a unique exhibition race scheduled for October 11, 2026, at the Grottaglie Air Base. The event will feature a head-to-head contest between an F-35B fighter jet and a specially tuned Ferrari SF90, driven by record-holder Fabio Barone. The race will take place on an aluminum runway, with a 500-meter sprint and a longer 2.8 km course. The Ferrari is expected to reach speeds of 330 km/h, while the F-35B will demonstrate its vertical takeoff capabilities. This event draws inspiration from a famous 2003 exhibition where Michael Schumacher raced a Ferrari against an Italian Air Force Eurofighter. While the race prioritizes spectacle over competitive parity, it serves as a significant marketing showcase for both the Italian Navy and Ferrari, highlighting the intersection of advanced aerospace engineering and high-performance automotive technology.