The car was driven by 2007 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa, who both remained with the team for a second and third season, respectively.

The chassis was designed by Aldo Costa, Simone Resta, Tiziano Battistini, Marco Fainello, John Iley and Marco de Luca with Mario Almondo playing a vital role in leading the production of the car as the team's Executive Technical Director and with Gilles Simon in charge of the engine and electronics division assisted by David Salters (engine design and development) and Mattia Binotto (engine operations).

The ECU also removes most of the driver aids used in previous seasons, including traction control, engine braking, and electronically-assisted starting system.

[citation needed] The car also weighs more than last season's F2007 chassis due to rule changes which include the gearbox which has to be used for four consecutive races, higher side protection around the driver's helmet, etc.

World champion Kimi Räikkönen gave the car its first shakedown at Ferrari's Fiorano test track on January 7, 2008.