The 412 T2's design was largely influenced by major regulation changes imposed by the FIA after the tragic events during the year before: the V12 engine was reduced from 3.5 to 3.0 litre, while new side protection structures were added around the driver's helmet.

Aerodynamics were revised with larger and more complex bargeboards, while the front and rear wings were also modified to reduce downforce according to the new regulations.

At Imola, Berger started on the front row and went on to set the fastest lap, leading the race before stalling at the pitstops.

Jean Alesi won an emotional first race for both driver and chassis at the Canadian Grand Prix, giving Ferrari the lead in the constructors world championship at that point in the season.

Competitiveness waned for the remainder of the season, with the highlight being Alesi's near victory at the Nurburgring, when he came within 3 laps of winning on heavily worn tyres only to be passed by a charging Schumacher on much fresher rubber.