In a highly anticipated return to the big screen, director Michael Mann's film "Ferrari" recreates a pivotal moment in auto racing history - the catastrophic accident that forever changed the sport. The movie revolves around Enzo Ferrari, played by Adam Driver, and his struggle to keep his company afloat amidst financial troubles and the constant specter of death.

The film portrays Ferrari's disdain for competitors like Jaguar, who race solely for the purpose of selling cars, while Ferrari believes in selling cars to race. As his company faces an existential crisis, Ferrari's personal experiences with loss and tragedy begin to harden him, leading to a more cynical and stoic approach to the dangers of racing.

One of the most gut-wrenching events depicted in the film is the 1955 Le Mans race, which remains the most catastrophic crash in motorsport history. The incident occurred when Mike Hawthorne, who would later drive for Ferrari, abruptly turned for a pit stop, causing another car to swerve into the path of Pierre Levegh's speeding Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes flew into the air, crashing through the low barrier and into the grandstand, resulting in the death of Levegh and 82 spectators, with another 120 left injured.

This tragic event acted as a wake-up call for the racing community, highlighting the devastating consequences of the unbridled pursuit of speed. Mercedes-Benz subsequently withdrew from all motorsport competitions until 1989, and Switzerland implemented a ban on motor racing, which was only lifted this year.

The film also sheds light on the dangers faced by drivers during that era. Piero Taruffi, a veteran Ferrari driver nicknamed the Silver Fox and portrayed by Patrick Dempsey, estimated that 60% of the drivers he raced with were killed in accidents. Seatbelts were uncommon, with drivers often preferring to be thrown from the cockpit rather than being trapped in a petrol-filled "casket on wheels."

The film underscores the urgent need for change in motorsport safety standards. Taruffi himself wrote an article titled "Stop Us Before We Kill Again," calling for the end of open-road races like the Mille Miglia, in which he had emerged as the winner before retiring from racing. The lack of protective barriers and the sprawling nature of open-road races posed significant risks to both participants and spectators.

The tragedy at Le Mans and Taruffi's plea for reform sparked a movement toward improving safety in motorsport. Today, closed-circuit races like Le Mans, which take place on tracks or closed public roads, provide better infrastructure and protection for drivers and spectators alike.

"Ferrari," with its gripping portrayal of Enzo Ferrari's struggles and the harrowing events that unfolded in the world of auto racing, offers a poignant reminder of the need to prioritize safety in the pursuit of speed. The film serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the 'Ferrari' crash, which changed the course of racing forever.