1956 F1 Season

The 1956 Formula One season, marking the tenth season of FIA’s Formula One motor racing, was notable for its intense competition and dramatic moments. The season, consisting of eight races, began on 22 January and concluded on 2 September. Juan Manuel Fangio won his third consecutive World Championship, the fourth in his illustrious career, making it the last season until 2006 where no British constructor won any championship race. Fangio, after Mercedes-Benz’s withdrawal from the sport, joined Ferrari, who had acquired the Lancia team’s D50 cars. Alongside Fangio were Eugenio Castellotti, Luigi Musso, and Peter Collins. Fangio’s victory in the opening race was dramatic as he took over Musso’s car after his own failed. The championship saw strong challenges from Collins and Stirling Moss, now driving for Maserati, each securing two race wins. In a display of extraordinary sportsmanship in the final race, Collins, who had a chance to win his first title, handed his car to Fangio after the latter retired, enabling Fangio to finish second in the race and secure the championship.