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    Scuderia Ferrari Hero

    Juan Manuel Fangio

    An appraised and feared champion
    The Argentine driver was appraised and feared by his colleagues and adversaries alike.

    Juan Manuel Fangio was his own infallible manager – a bad habit, we’d say today – and although he always drove the best cars, winning five Formula One World Titles, Enzo Ferrari never took him into his heart.

    Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentine Scuderia Ferrari driver world champion
    1956: in Maranello

    Fangio started his career in Argentina, where courage and physical strength were the crucial attributes on the difficult tracks of South America. In the late 40s Fangio came to Europe, where he was already known as a very fast and intelligent driver and immediately impressed the Commendatore. In winter 1956 he came to Maranello as a three times World Champion, surrounded by several young and talented drivers. With his reluctant and distrustful character, it was difficult integrating him into the Scuderia, where loyalty for the Company stands above all. But there was no doubt that he was and still is the best driver ever. Only Michael Schumacher reached Fangio, removing the Argentine’s unreachable aura. The season started in January with the Argentine GP followed by several races and victories.

    Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentine Scuderia Ferrari driver world champion
    The Scuderia’s sacrifice

    Enzo Ferrari’s investment was bearing fruit with the continuous successes of the Team and the driver, but the team order with two drivers racing didn’t work out too well for a personality that is used to doing everything himself. The Scuderia’s sacrifices were huge, but there was also polemics and Fangio’s tension could be felt on and off the tracks. Bad luck and mechanical problems went along with him until his double-win, in Silverstone and at the Nürburgring. With the exceptional Argentine driver at his best and perfect teamwork, the Scuderia won the Sport World Title. It was the end of the season and of this difficult relationship between the Champion and the Prancing Horse.

    Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentine Scuderia Ferrari driver world champion
    Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentine Scuderia Ferrari driver world champion
    3STANDINGS

    Juan Manuel Fangio

    • 24 June 1911
      Born
    • ARGENTINE
      Country
    race wins
    24
    total
    3
    in ferrari
    pole positions
    29
    total
    6
    in ferrari
    grand prix
    51
    total
    7
    in ferrari
    • 35
      total podiums
    • 14
      retirements
    Data Position
    Other
    In Ferrari
    first position
    24 TIMES
    21
    3
    second position
    10 TIMES
    8
    2
    third position
    1 TIMES
    1
    0
    • 3159
      laps
    • 23
      fastest laps
    • 277.64
      points
    • 5
      drivers' titles
    RANK ON STARTING GRID AND FINISH LINE
    Starting Grid
    Finish Line
    30
    20
    10
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    position
    29
    24
    13
    10
    5
    1
    4
    6
    0
    0
    0
    0
    3
    0
    1
    1
    1
    1
    1
    0
    Juan Manuel Fangio: Ferrari D50

    When Lancia withdrew in 1955, Ferrari inherited its material, putting the modified D50 on the track for 1956 and, above all, a driver of Fangio’s ability.

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