Photo/Illutration Ferrari's Formula 1 team books Trattoria Yamakawa exclusively every year when it returns to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. (Provided by Hiroyuki Yamakawa)

SUZUKA, Mie Prefecture—As the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix roars off at Suzuka Circuit here on April 4, a local Italian restaurant is buzzing with excitement, preparing to welcome cherished guests: the Ferrari F1 team.

Trattoria Yamakawa, located just a few kilometers from the circuit, has become a beloved dining spot for the team’s drivers and support staff, drawn to the restaurant’s authentic taste and warm hospitality.

Local chef Hiroyuki Yamakawa, 50, opened the restaurant in 2004 after he returned from extensive culinary training in Italy.

Initially, Yamakawa didn’t anticipate attracting Italian customers, let alone the prestigious Ferrari team.

WORD-OF-MOUTH SUCCESS

The restaurant’s connection to Ferrari began in 2009, when the F1 Grand Prix returned to Suzuka after a brief stint at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Italian staff among the event’s organizers stumbled upon Trattoria Yamakawa and word quickly spread through their community. Soon, the Ferrari team’s chef visited.

Since then, engineers and drivers alike have become regular patrons, with the restaurant fully booked by Ferrari personnel during the race week.

Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz even hosted a team dinner at the restaurant, gathering around 80 staff members for a pre-race morale turbocharger boost. Current Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is also a frequent visitor.

HOME-STYLE COOKING

Yamakawa attributes his restaurant’s popularity to his commitment to home-style Italian cooking.

After graduating from a university in Tokyo, Yamakawa pursued his passion for Italian cuisine, training for six years in various restaurants across Italy.

This experience allowed him to understand the nuances of Italian flavors, particularly the preference for rich, hearty dishes in local homes.

TAILORED FLAVORS FOR FERRARI

During the F1 week, Yamakawa adjusts his menu to cater to the Ferrari team’s preferences, increasing the saltiness and depth of his dishes to replicate the authentic flavors of Italy.

He also prepares special menu items, such as the team’s favorite “bruschetta with homemade sausage, gorgonzola and cream cheese.”

F1 teams travel to around 20 countries worldwide on a hectic schedule. To maintain their condition, team members prefer to eat the same food they have at home, according to Yamakawa.

Yamakawa also caters croissants and panini to the team during races.

BEYOND THE RACE TRACK

Yamakawa’s relationship with the Ferrari team extends beyond the Suzuka Grand Prix. He travels to Maranello, Italy, the home of Ferrari, during the off-season to dine with the team’s staff.

“Ferrari is family to me,” he said.

Despite the demanding schedule during the F1 week, Yamakawa remains dedicated to providing the team with a taste of home.

“My goal is simple: to make everyone happy and full,” he said.

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