Juan Manuel Fangio, born on June 24, 1911, in Balcarce, Argentina, and died on July 17, 1995, was a legendary figure in the world of motor racing. Known affectionately by nicknames such as “El Chueco” (the bowlegged one) and “El Maestro” (The Master or The Teacher), Fangio was a titan of Formula One, his prowess behind the wheel defining the sport’s earliest years.
| Nationality | Argentine |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 June 1911 Balcarce, Argentina |
| Died | 17 July 1995 (aged 84) Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Fangio clinched the World Drivers’ Championship five times, a testament to his unparalleled skill in a raw and dangerous period in F1 history. This achievement remained unsurpassed for nearly five decades, underscoring his enduring legacy in the history of F1.
Fangio’s journey into motor racing began from humble origins, with a youthful diversion from academics to delve into the intricacies of auto mechanics. His passion for automobiles soon propelled him onto the racing scene, where he made his mark in the Turismo Carretera series in 1938, piloting a Ford V8. By 1940, now aligned with Chevrolet, he captured the Grand Prix International Championship, dedicating himself wholly to dominating the Turismo Carretera, where he repeated his championship triumph the following year.
The late 1940s saw Fangio expand his horizons to European circuits, where his talent continued to flourish, laying the groundwork for his Formula 1 saga.
His debut in the inaugural Formula One season marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw him win championships with an unprecedented four different teams: Alfa Romeo in 1951, Maserati in 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz in 1954 and 1955, and Ferrari in 1956. In addition to five drivers’ championships, Fangio left the sport with a staggering winning percentage of 46.15%, 24 victories out of 52 races, and the highest pole position percentage, 55.77%.
Beyond his Formula 1 wins, Fangio’s legacy is also highlighted by his singular achievements on his home turf. He is the only Argentine to win the Argentine Grand Prix—a feat he accomplished four times—and the only Argentine to clinch the World Drivers’ Championship.
Following his retirement from active racing, Fangio continued to influence the automotive world as the honorary president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina, a role he embraced from 1987 until his passing in 1995. His contributions to motorsport were celebrated globally, particularly during the centenary of his birth in 2011, through numerous tributes and events honouring his monumental impact on Formula 1 and automotive culture. Fangio’s life and career remain a beacon of excellence, his legacy enduring as a benchmark of success and inspiration in the racing community and beyond.
Juan Manuel Fangio Formula One World Championship career
| F1 Career | 1950–1951, 1953-1958 |
|---|---|
| Teams | Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, Ferrari |
| Entries | 52 (51 starts) |
| Championships | 5 (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957) |
| Wins | 24 |
| Podiums | 35 |
| Career points | 245 |
| Pole positions | 29 |
| Fastest laps | 23 |
| First entry | 1950 British Grand Prix |
| First win | 1950 Monaco Grand Prix |
| Last win | 1957 German Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1958 French Grand Prix |
