Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Juan Manuel Fangio, born on 24 June 1911 in Balcarce, Argentina, showed an early interest in automobiles, abandoning his studies to pursue auto mechanics. His racing career began in Argentina in 1936, driving a 1929 Ford Model A. Fangio’s talent became evident in the Tourismo Carretera category, where he participated in his first race in 1938 as the co-driver of Luis Finocchietti. Despite not winning, he finished fifth and continued to show promise. His early career was marked by significant challenges, including a near-fatal bout of pneumonia and the tragic death of his friend and co-driver Daniel Urrutia in 1948. However, these hardships did not deter him; instead, they fueled his determination to succeed in racing.
Major Successes and Highlights
Fangio’s career reached its zenith in Formula One, where he dominated the first decade, winning the World Drivers’ Championship five times with four different teams (Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati). This achievement made him the only driver in F1 history to win titles with more than two teams. His record of five World Championships stood for 46 years until Michael Schumacher surpassed it. Fangio is renowned for his high winning percentage in Formula One, winning 24 of the 52 races he entered. His skill and precision on the track earned him the nickname “El Maestro” (The Master).
Life and Legacy After Racing
After retiring from active racing, Juan Manuel Fangio remained a prominent figure in the world of motorsports. He served as the honorary president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina from 1987 until his death in 1995. Fangio’s legacy extends beyond his racing achievements; he is remembered for his contributions to car development and racing strategies. In 2011, on the centenary of his birth, Fangio was honored worldwide, with various activities held to commemorate his life and career. His influence in motorsports continues to be felt, and he is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta | Alfa Romeo 1.5 L8C | 2nd | 27 |
| 1951 | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta | Alfa Romeo 1.5 L8C | 1st | 31 |
| 1953 | Maserati | Maserati A6GCM | Maserati 2.0 L6 | 2nd | 28 |
| 1954 | Maserati / Mercedes | Maserati 250F / Mercedes W196 | Maserati 2.5 L6 / Mercedes 2.5 L8 | 1st | 42 |
| 1955 | Mercedes | Mercedes W196 | Mercedes 2.5 L8 | 1st | 40 |
| 1956 | Ferrari | Ferrari D50 | Ferrari 2.5 V8 | 1st | 30 |
| 1957 | Maserati | Maserati 250F | Maserati 2.5 L6 | 1st | 40 |
| 1958 | Maserati | Maserati 250F | Maserati 2.5 L6 | 4th | 6 |