1961 F1 Season

The 1961 Formula One season, the fifteenth in the sport’s history, was marked by significant technological and competitive shifts. Running from 14 May to 8 October, the season included eight races for the World Championship of Drivers and the International Cup for F1 Manufacturers, along with several non-championship events. Phil Hill of Ferrari emerged as the Drivers’ Champion, becoming the first and, to date, only American-born driver to achieve this feat. His victory was bittersweet, as it followed the tragic death of his teammate and rival, Wolfgang von Trips, in a collision at the Italian Grand Prix that also claimed the lives of 14 spectators. This incident cast a shadow over Ferrari’s otherwise successful season, which saw them secure their first F1 manufacturers’ title.

Ferrari’s dominance was the result of their innovative mid-engined 156 “Sharknose” car, a significant departure from previous designs and a challenge to team boss Enzo Ferrari’s traditional views. Despite the power of the Ferraris, Stirling Moss in his older Lotus managed to overcome their advantage on two occasions with his exceptional skill. Another notable achievement was by Giancarlo Baghetti, who won the French Grand Prix on his championship debut with a privately-entered Ferrari, a feat only previously accomplished by Nino Farina. The 1961 season was also marked by the loss of two other drivers, Shane Summers and Giulio Cabianca, in non-championship and testing events respectively.