Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Francisco Sacco Landi, better known as Chico Landi, was born on July 14, 1907, in São Paulo, Brazil, into a modest middle-class family of Italian origins. His foray into racing was influenced by his father, who owned a garage in São Paulo. Landi left school at the age of eleven to work as a mechanic and soon began participating in illegal street racing at night. His official racing debut was at the second Rio Grand Prix in 1934, where he led the race until eight laps from the finish when his engine failed. Despite this setback, Landi quickly became a prominent figure in Brazilian motorsports, especially after the death of his contemporary, Irineu Corrêa, in 1935.
Major Successes and Highlights
Chico Landi’s racing career was marked by several significant achievements. He was the first Brazilian driver to participate in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, making his debut on September 16, 1951. Landi’s most notable success in Formula One came in the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, where he finished fourth, sharing the drive with Gerino Gerini, and scored 1.5 championship points. This achievement made him the first Brazilian to score points in Formula One. Apart from his Formula One career, Landi was also the first Brazilian to win a Grand Prix race, securing victory at the Bari Grand Prix in 1948 in a Ferrari, and he achieved a second-place finish in the 1952 Albi Grand Prix.
Life and Legacy
Chico Landi’s impact on Brazilian motorsports extends beyond his racing achievements. He was a pioneering figure, popularizing motor racing in Brazil during the late 1930s and early 1940s. His victories and participation in international events brought recognition to Brazilian drivers on the global stage. Landi’s legacy is also marked by his contribution to the development of Brazilian motorsports, inspiring future generations of Brazilian drivers. He passed away on June 7, 1989, in São Paulo, but his influence and contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Francisco Landi | Maserati 4CLT/48 | Maserati Straight-4 | NC | 0 |
| 1952 | Escuderia Bandeirantes | Maserati A6GCM | Maserati Straight-6 | NC | 0 |
| 1953 | Escuderia Bandeirantes | Maserati A6GCM | Maserati Straight-6 | NC | 0 |
| 1956 | Officine Alfieri Maserati | Maserati 250F | Maserati Straight-6 | 25th | 1.5 |