When Enzo Ferrari and Gioachino Colombo decided to take the path of the 1500cc 12-cylinder engine that equipped the 125S, they already had in mind to use the same unit for a single-seater in the Grand Prix category. In 1948 the 125 F1 was born, which debuted on 5 September at the Valentino GP in Turin. The good results of the three cars entered (for Bira, Sommer and Farina) convinced Ferrari to continue the commitment with the single-seaters. In the two-year period 1949-1950 the 125 F1 was modified and improved, both in the mechanics (with a new compressor) and in the bodywork with interventions on the grille and tail.