After the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington D.C. , Formula One 's governing body , the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA ) announced that the Italian Grand Prix would go ahead as scheduled . Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said that his team would approach the race as a normal racing event instead of a traditional Ferrari festival . Furthermore , di Montezemolo stated Formula One should continue its normal schedule and not cancel races . Additionally , the Automobile Club d'Italia urged fans and spectators to behave " in keeping with the gravity of the situation and in collective participation in the pain of American citizens . " Podium celebrations were also cancelled and all pre-race ceremonies including a flypast by the Italian Tricolour Arrows display team were called off . Three teams altered their car 's liveries as a mark of respect . Ferrari stripped their cars of all advertising and painted their nose cones black . Jaguar fitted black engine covers to their R2 cars on Saturday morning , and Jordan sponsor Deutsche Post replaced its branding with the flag of the United States on the Jordan cars engine cover on Sunday morning . Michael Schumacher was reluctant to take part in the race and said in 2002 that he felt it was a " bad sign " to be driving after the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
2001 Italian Grand Prix