The oldest Formula 1 driver. Juan Manuel Fangio
Argentine racing driver Jose Froilan Gonzalez has died. In 1951, the athlete brought the first pole position and victory in the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Scuderia Ferrari, and three years later he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon. The pilot died in Buenos Aires at the age of 90. José Froilán González raced in Formula One in the 1950s: the driver with the nicknames "Pampas Bull" and El Cabezón entered 26 World Championships, winning two races.
Gonzalez is most famous for winning the 1951 British Grand Prix, when José Froilan drove a Ferrari 375 car. Before the Silverstone round, Alfa Romeo won all Formula 1 qualifications and races. “There were four cars on the first line of the starting field: Alfa Romeo Farina and Fangio, as well as two Ferraris - mine and Alberto Ascari, - quotes the Argentine athlete Pitpass. - At the start, all four stalled, and the guys from the second row easily passed us, so I went into turn 4 in turn 4. At that moment, Fangio was behind me.”
“By the end of the second lap, I was in the lead, but Juan Manuel Fangio attacked me and soon got ahead of me,” Gonzalez continued. “Still, I did not lose my temper, because I knew that sooner or later he would still have to refuel. chased Juan for 30 laps, and when he turned into the pit lane, I drove past him.After a while, the Ferrari pits worried that I might not have enough fuel for the rest of the race.I was topped up with 20 liters, but I still managed keep the lead: after the pit stop, I was 50 seconds ahead of Fangio, and closer to the finish line, I could even slow down without risking losing the victory."
“I realized the full significance of this race only three days later, when I arrived in Maranello on Wednesday after the race and met with Enzo Ferrari,” the driver added. “He had a large photo of my victory in his office right behind the table. He asked me to sign this picture, and then tell all the smallest details last race. Then he gave me a gold watch with the image of the Prancing stallion.
José Froilan González driving a Ferrari 375 at the 1951 British Grand Prix
Gonzalez moved to Europe from Argentina following his countryman Juan Manuel Fangio. José Froilán began racing open wheels in a privately owned Maserati, and in 1951 he was hired by Ferrari. In the 1954 season, the athlete became the vice-champion of the world, losing only to Fangio in the overall standings. In the same year, the driver brought Scuderia Ferrari a second victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans: Gonzalez won the daily race paired with Frenchman Maurice Trintignant. After his most successful season in Europe, José Froilan returned to South America. For the next six years, Gonzalez continued to occasionally participate in Formula 1 races: the Argentine went to the start of the test stages until 1960.
After the death of José Froilan González, the oldest living Formula One Grand Prix winner is three-time world champion Sir Jack Brabham. Now the Australian is 87 years old.
In memory of the pilots of the 50s, whose lives ended prematurely in the cockpits of Formula 1 sports cars.
Some sources claim that 46 pilots have died during the existence of Formula 1, others, others - 49 ... So where is the truth?
Let's try to figure out what is the real price of royal races?
In this post I will try to combine information about the dead pilots of the 50s.
1. Raymond Sommer
Team: Talbot-Darrak
Place of death: France, Toulouse, Cadour circuit, the first season of Formula 1.
He participated in the very first F-1 championship (1950), scored only 3 points (4th place in the Monaco Grand Prix, famous for the very first big accident in F-1 - then there was windy weather and because of sea spray the track became wet, which led to a collision of nine cars at once on the first lap; surprisingly, none of the riders were injured).
He died in a minor race in the class up to 500 cubes in Toulouse on the Cadour track. It is believed that his Cooper wheel bearing jammed, after which the car lost control.
2. Luigi Fagioli
Team: Alfa Romeo
Place of death: Monte Carlo, Monaco.
“The old robber from the Abruzzo” – such a good-natured nickname he had – Fagioli was one of the greatest Italian racers, a real individualist, who often disagreed with recognized authorities.
In 1952, only touring cars took part in the Monaco Grand Prix; during a practice run, Fagioli lost control in a tunnel and crashed into a concrete balustrade. He was thrown out of the car and taken to the hospital unconscious, with broken arms and legs. Four days later, he regained consciousness, it seemed that the danger had passed, but after three weeks after the accident, he had a relapse - the nervous system completely failed, and at the age of only 54 he died.
3. Chet Miller, Chester Miller
Team: Kurtis Kraft
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He was nicknamed "Head of the Freeway". Crashed during practice at the Indianapolis track.
4. Carl Scarborough
Team: Kurtis Kraft
After finishing 12th in a race at the Indianapolis circuit, he died of heatstroke.
5. Charles de Tornaco
Team: Ecurie Francorchamps
Place of death: Modena highway, Italy.
The son of a wealthy and famous racing driver in the 20s, Baron de Tornaco, is said to have had no paternal talent. He loved racing, but he was a bad driver. He got into the Ecurie Francorchamps team only thanks to connections, money and enthusiasm, he started in just two races. In another, he did not qualify, and once for some reason refused to start.
He died during practice for the Modena Grand Prix, which was not included in the World Championship standings, when he lost control of the track on a difficult section of the track. His Ferrari rolled over and Charles suffered severe head and neck injuries. The medical support of that Grand Prix turned out to be at such a low level that de Tornaco died in the cabin of an ordinary car, in which they wanted to take him to the hospital.
6. Felice Bonetto, Felice Bonetto
Place of death: Silao, Mexico.
Known by the nickname "Pirate" Bonetto has earned the fame of a fearless, and sometimes reckless rider. In F-1, he changed three teams, was not in the first roles in any, but in individual races on his own Lancia he often won resounding victories.
On the eve of his 50th birthday, Bonetto was more active than ever, answering jokes about age with jokes and victories. After spending his first full season in F-1 as a third Maserati pilot, he again moved to the wheel of his own car, won the Portuguese Grand Prix, finished third in the popular Italian Mille Miglia.
Participating in the grueling multi-day Carrera Panamericana, on a slippery track in the Mexican village of Silao, Bonetto lost control, his Lancia skidded, and he died after crashing into a lamppost.
Bonetto's car after the crash.
7. Onofre Augustin Marimon
Team: Officine Alfieri Maserati
Location of death: Nürburgring, Germany
Onofre was considered the protege of the famous 5-time F-1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio, who in the past repeatedly converged on South American tracks with his father, Domingo.
During the qualifying race at the German Nürburgring, trying to show best time, in order to take a better place on the starting field, Marimon did not calculate the trajectory on one of the turns. His Maserati, breaking through the fence, flew off the track and tumbled down the slope, killing the rider
8 Manuel ("Manny") Ayulo
Team: Peter Schmidt
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
An American Formula One race car driver who competed only in the Indianapolis 500, where he finished 3rd in 1951, replacing true Greg McGrath.
Killed in training for the 1955 Indy 500.
9. Alberto Ascari
Team: Scuderia Lancia
Place of death: Monza track
Since Alberto was the son of a famous racing driver - his father, Antonio, died at Montlhéry when the young Ascari was only seven years old - his career in the sport was logical and inevitable.
Askari was very superstitious. His father Antonio was also a very famous racer in his time and died on May 26, 1925 at the age of 36. Therefore, Alberto never got behind the wheel on the 26th of any month, and when he turned 36 (in July 54th), he generally wanted to quit car racing ...
On May 22, at the Monaco Grand Prix (2nd stage of the F-1 championship), Askari got into a famous accident on the embankment - his car broke through the fence and collapsed into the water.
Alberto escaped with a fright and slight facial injuries, and even drowned his “lucky” helmet. But paradoxically, he decided that this was not a warning from above, but, on the contrary, a happy sign. Say, a shell does not hit the same funnel twice. In addition, there was nothing left until the 37th anniversary - some one and a half months. And four days later, on May 26th, exactly on the 30th anniversary of his father's death, Alberto got behind the wheel of a Ferrari on the track in Monza to test the car for the upcoming Supercortemaggiore race.
For a reason that has not yet been clarified, his car lost control and flew off the track, rolling over several times. Askari's death was instantaneous.
The Italian nation mourned the loss of their best rider, with top competitor Ascari Fangio saying, "I have lost my greatest rival."
10. Bill Vukovich, Bill (William) Vukovich
Team: Lindsey Hopkins
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
Because of his intense driving style, he was known by the nicknames "Vuki" ("Vuky" - VOO-kee) and "Mad Russian" (although he hated this name, because he was Serb by origin). Racers of his generation called him the greatest phenomenon in American motorsport.
Killed during a race after colliding with another car at the exit of a corner. Vukovich's car flew over the fence, rolled over several times and caught fire. Vukovich was alive for some time, but it was not possible to save him.
11. Pierre Levegh (Pierre Eugene Alfred Bouillin)
Team: Pierre Levegh
Place of death: Le Mans circuit
The most tragic figure in the world of motorsport. Levegh was named after his uncle, also a racing driver who competed at the very beginning of the century. Even before the start of the war, his thoughts were occupied only by the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and he patiently waited for the opportunity to take part in this classic event; the chance to fulfill his cherished desire presented itself to him in 1938, and he entered the Talbot team.
In 1951, at Le Mans, at the factory Talbot, he finished fourth, but was dissatisfied with the car and decided to go to the start the next year in his own car, all the expenses for the preparation of which he himself bore. And all the costs were almost justified - he alone drove the car for more than 22 hours and was the undisputed leader when his gear shifter failed and the engine flew.
It seemed that his dream would remain unrealizable, but in 1955, Neubauer, remembering the exploits of Pierre, offered him a place behind the wheel of a factory Mercedes. As if anticipating trouble, Levegh voiced his concern, being on the straight in front of the pits, and his fears were justified: in the same place, his car, stumbling on the body of a car that was ahead and braked sharply, as a result of which his car literally soared into the air and collapsed right into the crowded stands.
Fire and debris rushing at great speed (and the Mercedes body was also made with magnesium additives) caused the worst tragedy in the world of motorsport - on June 11, the driver himself and 86 spectators instantly died, about two hundred more were injured and burns of varying severity.
12. Louis Rosier, Louis (Gean-Louis) Rosier
Team: Ecurie Rosier
Place of death: Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris
Veteran who had track record many spectacular victories in a variety of races, he performed independently in F-1 and did not achieve much success. Largely because he did not have enough funds to purchase the latest cars. He rode confidently and reliably, with a reasonable amount of risk, but he used outdated converted and modified Talbots, Ferraris, Maserati, which did not pull against more powerful models of leaders.
Rosier won his last victory in early October at the 1000 km of Paris race in a Maserati, after which he almost immediately went to the start in Montlhery - on a track that he knew very well - already in a Ferrari. In the pouring rain, the car overturned and the rider got severe injuries head, from which he died three weeks later.
He was posthumously awarded the French Order of the Nation.
13. Eugenio Castellotti, Eugenio Castellotti
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Place of death: Modena highway
While testing the car before the upcoming Ferrari Grand Prix in Modena, on a wet track, it crashed into a barrier at full speed. The pilot was thrown out of the cockpit from the impact, and the fragments of the car that covered him completed the work begun during the collision ...
Location after the disaster:
14. Alfonso de Portago, Alfonso de Portago(Don Alfonso Antonio Vicente Blas Angel Francisco Borija Cabez de Vaca y Leighton, Carvajal y Are, XVII Marques de Portago, Marques de Moratalla, XIII Conde de La Mejorada, Conde de Pernia, Duke of Alagon, Grande de Espana)
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Place of death: Mille Miglia, between Goito and Guidizzolo
His death shocked all of Italy, but even more - Spain. This was not just the first Spanish formula driver to die in a race. Don Alfonso Antonio Vicente Blas Angel Francisco Borja Cabes de Vaca and Leighton, Carbachal and Are, XVIIth Marquis de Portago, Marquis de Morataglia, XIIIth Count de la Mejorada, Count de Pernia, Duke of Aragon, Grandee of Spain was one of the most titled people of the country.
He was a versatile and talented athlete, became a winner at the hippodromes, tennis courts, in the competition athletics, swimming, steeplechase and bobsleigh, where he even took part in the Olympic Games-56. In 1954, he became seriously interested in auto racing and immediately proved that he was not the last person in them either - he took second place in the "1000 km of Buenos Aires". In 1956 he was invited to the Ferrari team. The first season took some getting used to, but in a couple of races the newcomer showed himself with the most better side and at the beginning of 1957 he was considered a contender, if not for the championship, then for sure for a place in the top five.
A week before the Monaco Grand Prix, the traditional and considered the most dangerous in the world Mille Miglia took place in Italy, where, among others, de Portago started. He was in the top ten when, 120 kilometers from the finish line, a burst tire at high speed turned his Ferrari into a hearse for himself and his longtime friend and co-pilot Ed Nelson. Moreover, an uncontrolled car that flew into the crowd killed ten spectators.
After this incident, the Mille Miglia race was banned by a special decree of the Italian government.
15 Keith Andrews
Team: Farina
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
During the test, I got into an accident. The car was completely destroyed. Died shortly after the accident.
16. Pat O "Connor, Pat (Patrick) O" Connor
Team: Sumar/Chapman Root
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
During the race, his car lost control, took off, rolled over in the air, fell on the pilot and caught fire. Although Pat was completely burned out in the car, doctors say that he died at the time of the fall of the car from a severe head injury.
17 Luigi Musso
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Place of death: Reims circuit, France
The third "ferrarist" in a row and the first who died directly in the Formula 1 test race.
During the sixth stage of F-1 (French Grand Prix in Reims), when Musso tried to get around his teammate Hawthorne on the long Gyo curve, the wheel of his Ferrari at a speed of about 220 km / h landed in a pothole on the edge tracks. The Italian died instantly...
18 Peter Collins
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Place of death: Bonn, Germany
This glorious smiling Briton, outwardly very similar to the modern American film actor Val Kilmer, became a racer very early, at the age of 20.
In the 57 season, Collins was on the podium three times, but he was terribly unlucky - a clutch, a water leak from the radiator, an intake valve, and once a collision did not allow him to finish various Grand Prix.
In the next championship, the black streak continued: at the very first stage, the rear axle flew at the start, then Peter retired due to engine overheating, a jammed gearbox, and even a vulgar lack of fuel. And yet, when the car did not let down, Collins performed brilliantly - he became the third at the Monaco Grand Prix, won in his homeland (7th stage, Silverstone).
But the next, 8th stage was the last for the Briton in his life. At the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Collins was third when, in a difficult fight with Tony Brooks, he made a fatal mistake by trying to cut a corner. At a speed of over 150 km / h, the Ferrari overturned, tumbling, broke through the fence and rolled down the slope. Peter was thrown out of the cab, he hit a tree and received severe head injuries, from which he died a few hours later in the hospital without regaining consciousness.
In this accident, Peter survived:
19. Stuart Lewis-Evans
Team: Vandervell Products Ltd
Place of death: East Grinstead, Sussex
The third and final victim of the nightmarish 1958 was also the Briton, Stuart Lewis-Evans, who followed in the footsteps of his father into motorsport.
They say that he demonstrated a rare combination of speed and driving elegance, had a fantastic reaction and remarkable intuition, which allowed him to avoid collisions in cases where 8 out of 10 other pilots would inevitably have an accident.
At the last stage of the Moroccan Grand Prix, Lewis-Evans lost control due to an unexpectedly jammed gearbox. The car overturned several times and caught fire.
The rider was freed from the fire trap and, suffering from severe burns, was transported to England under the supervision of experienced specialists. But despite their best efforts, Lewis-Evans passed away six days later...
20. Jerry Unser
Team: Helse
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
Died in tests. Lost control and crashed into the wall of the fence, the car immediately caught fire. The racer was pulled out, but after 2 weeks, Jerry died of burns in the hospital.
21 Bob Cortner
Team: Cornis Engineering
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana
22. Ivor Bueb
Team: British Racing Partnership
Place of death: Clermont-Ferrand, France
Died from injuries sustained in a test accident.
23 Jean Marie Behra
Team: Jean Behra
Place of death: AFUS highway, Berlin, Germany
In the so-called “support race” (something like a qualification, held on the eve of the main one), on a slippery track due to heavy rain, his car crashed. Bera was thrown out of the tumbling car and probably could have survived with fractures, but, having hit a flagpole in flight, he died. Wolfgang von Trips, who followed and witnessed the terrible and ridiculous death of the Frenchman, was so shocked that he withdrew from the main race the next day.
With such monstrous losses for Formula 1, the 50s of the last century passed ...
23 pilots did not return from the tracks ...
More photos and videos.
The champion of motor racing must win more points in a season than other contenders. According to the latest changes in the regulations, if two pilots score the same number of points, then the first place is awarded to the participant on whose account more wins for the current championship.
Most Formula 1 champions have won competitions long before the event. final race. This happened to Michael Schumacher in 2002. Before the official closing of the season, there were still 6 races, but not a single pilot could compete with the “red baron” in points.
The best Formula 1 driver - who is he?
Every fan, columnist, pilot has his own opinion on this matter. Someone chooses Niki Lauda, admiring his fortitude. This racer returned to the sport after a terrible accident. Another would be Alain Prost, who won over 40 races. A third admires Mika Hakkinen's ability to get the most out of any car, and so on.
We have compiled the stories of all the Formula 1 world champions so you can decide for yourself the best driver in the royal races. Stay with VERcity and rank your motorsport stars.
Italian footprint in Formula 1
Giuseppe Farina, Alberto Ascari, Enzo Ferrari - the names of these three Italians are well known to all racing fans. But the inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula in Formula 1 have many more reasons to be proud. It is the team with Italian registration that is the absolute leader in terms of the number of Constructors' Cups won. The only pilotess who won points in Formula 1 races is also a resident of this country. And the Italian Grand Prix is the owner of an unusual achievement that will definitely never be beaten.
How many Italian drivers have competed in Formula 1?
The official statistics of the Queen of Motorsports states that on this moment 115 Italians tested their strength in the Grand Prix. True, 32 of them never started in Formula 1 races.
In addition to the triumphant of the first stage, the participation of two more Italians, Felice Bonetto and Luigi Fagioli, was also announced in the Grand Prix. And if the first rider never came to the UK, the second one became the silver medalist of the stage.
The most experienced Italian in Formula 1 is Ricciardo. He has 256 Grands Prix to his name and is ranked seventh in the ranking of those who have taken part in the most stages. Of the current pilots, only Lewis Hamilton can move him in the near future, and even then after two and a half seasons.
By the way, Italian pilots can rightfully be called very experienced Formula 1 racers. In the top ten of those who took part in the largest number of Grand Prix in their careers, there are three representatives of the Apennine Peninsula. In addition to Riccardo Patrese, Jarno Trulli (252 Grand Prix and 8th position) and Giancarlo Fisichella (229th Grand Prix and 10th position) can also boast of such a significant achievement.
In the current season, not a single Italian driver performs in the Grand Prix as the main pilot of the team. During the stages in Australia and China, Italian Antonio Giovinazzi drove one of the Sauber cars, but he only replaced the injured Pascal Wehrlein. At the moment, the last Italians who have spent a full season in Formula 1 are Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jarno Trulli. Both drivers ended their careers at Motorsport Queen in 2011.
By the way, the Italian nation has another unusual achievement in Formula 1. It was the representative of this country - Lella Lombardi - who became the most successful one who took part in Formula 1. She is the only one among the beautiful half of humanity who can boast of points obtained in races. In total, she has 12 Grand Prix
How many Italians have become Formula 1 champions?
Despite the fact that more than a hundred Italian pilots tried to conquer Formula 1, only two of them became world champions. Giuseppe Farina (winner of the 1950 season) and Alberto (1952 and 1953) can boast of such an achievement.
How many Italian teams have competed in Formula 1?
Of course, when Formula 1 fans say the word "Italy", the name of the Ferrari team immediately comes to their mind. This is not surprising - the Scuderia is a real automobile pride of the Apennine Peninsula.
Ferrari is the only team that has taken part in all seasons of Formula 1. True, the Italians did not participate in the very first race, but joined the Queen of Motorsport from the second round of 1950 - the Monaco Grand Prix
Ferrari is also the absolute record holder for the number of constructors' championships won. The team from Maranello has 16 team trophies. Their closest competitor is Williams. However, the Sir Frank Williams team has only 9 Constructors' Cups.
In addition to Ferrari, 28 other Italian teams competed in Formula 1. This season, the honor of the Apennine Peninsula is defended not only by the team from Maranello, but also by the Toro Rosso team.
How many tracks have hosted the Italian Grand Prix?
The national stage, of course, is a reason for the pride of the Italians. The Italian Grand Prix is the only Formula 1 round that was held in all seasons of the Queen of Motorsport without exception and changed its residence only once! Yes, you read that right, since 1950 Formula 1 drivers have regularly come to compete at the Monza Circuit. By the way, it has been the least transformed of all the racing tracks during this time: in comparison with the original configuration at the moment, its duration has decreased by only 7 meters.
23.11.2015
Formula 1 is also known as the royal race. And this high-profile name of the competition justifies it. These races are the most prestigious, expensive and technologically advanced. And the Formula 1 pilots instantly become famous all over the world. Participation in these races is an achievement in itself. But the names of the brightest Formula 1 pilots will forever remain on the pages of motorsport history.
10. Stirling Moos
Many Champions Royal races Stirling Moos is rightfully considered one of the greatest racers. But besides this, the pilot holds the title of the most unlucky Formula 1 driver. Despite the fact that Moos was undoubtedly a very talented pilot, the championship literally eluded him every time. The fault was the constant technical problems. But Moos never despaired, not missing the opportunity to participate in various races. And if he was totally unlucky with the Formula, then in the rally Moos was much more successful. So, he won the Tourist Trophy 7 times and was awarded the highest Alpine Rally award three times. In 1958, Stirling Moos had every chance of winning the F1 championship. His main competitor, Mike Hawthorne, stalled out with a few laps to go. Passing by, Moos slowed down and advised Hawthorne to shift into reverse gear and try to roll down the slope. The advice worked, and the engine started working. True, Hawthorne was disqualified for moving in the opposite direction of the race. But Stirling Moos stood up for him, who managed to convince the stewards to change their mind. In the end, the nobility of Mohs cost him the victory. Mike Hawthorne beat him on points to become the champion.
9. Graham Hill
Briton Graham Hill became the world champion of Formula 1 twice. This happened for the first time in 1962, and then back in 1968. Not many Formula 1 drivers can boast the title of a two-time Formula 1 racing champion. More precisely, there are only six of them, including Graham Hill. But only Graham Hill became the champion of all three of the most prestigious races. In addition to Formula 1, he won the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It seems that the descendants of the racer inherited the passion for fast driving. So, his son Damon Hill achieved good results in motorsport, and then became a Formula 1 pilot. In the 90s he was one of the most successful racers, in 1996 he became the world champion. Now the race car dynasty is continued by one of Damon's sons, Josh.
8. Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda's parents were very wealthy people, and the young man had no problems with money. However, the situation changed when the guy became interested in racing. Parents were categorically against a dangerous hobby, and deprived the offspring of even the slightest financial support. But this did not stop the stubborn, but, on the contrary, prompted decisive action. He took out a large loan from the bank to take part in the prestigious Formula 2 races. They noticed his outstanding abilities, and invited the guy to compete in Formula 1. During his career, Lauda became world champion three times. Twice with the Ferrari team, and once with McLaren. At the end of his racing career, Lauda became known as a commentator and F-1 pundit. In 1976, as a result of an accident, the racer received serious burns, the head was most affected. Lauda even lost part of his ear, and since then he has not parted with the red cap, which became his calling card. The headgear not only covers injuries, but also brings a small but stable profit. The fact is that the enterprising Lauda rents out advertising space on his cap to everyone. So, long years it was adorned with a logo Italian company Parmalat. And since 2011, the name of the Aabar investment company has flaunted on the cap.
7. Jackie Stewart
Jackie Stewart's father was a motorcycle racer, and his brother was an aspiring race car driver. So, thanks to a family passion, Jackie made his debut as a Formula 1 pilot in 1965. However, the team was on the verge of collapse, and one could not count on brilliant victories in its composition. In 1968, Jackie changed the team, and became the pilot of the Matra, and a year later, the world champion. I must say that 1969 turned out to be especially successful for Jackie: he became the only pilot in the history of the competition who managed to lead in every race of the season. By the way, in 8 years of his career, Stewart became the champion twice more. In 1973, after the tragic death of a friend, the pilot decided to end his career and left F1 in the status current champion. Today, despite his advanced age, Jackie Stewart works as a television commentator for one of the American channels. Surprisingly, his successful racing career was not affected by the fact that he never learned to read. This is due to such a rare defect as dyslexia.
6. Alberto Ascari
Alberto Ascari's father was a professional race car driver, and his son followed in his footsteps. Orphaned at an early age, his father died on the race track in 1925, Alberto did not give up the dream of becoming a racer. And he devoted all his subsequent achievements to his father. During his short career, Askari managed to become the champion of Formula 1 twice. And, according to experts, if trouble had not happened to Alberto, the victories of his main competitor, Juan Manuel Fangio, would not have come so easily. But on May 26, 1955, during a test run, an accident occurred that took the life of the pilot. His death was preceded by a series of strange events. So, on this day, Alberto was not supposed to test the car, and, in general, on the 26th of any month, he avoided driving. After all, his father died on the 26th. In addition, Askari never drove without his helmet and gloves. The gloves were at home and the helmet was being repaired. Therefore, he borrowed the latter from a friend. It is not clear whether the absence of a “lucky” helmet had an effect, or a fatal number worked, but at the age of 36, Alberto Ascari died. By the way, his father also passed away at this age, also 4 days after a serious accident, and also made a mistake when making a left high-speed turn.
5. Sebastian Vettel
He is only 28, and today Sebastian Vettel is the youngest Formula 1 driver to receive so many awards at that age. He first chose the championship at the age of 23 and since then has become the best Formula 1 driver 3 more times in a row. I must say that in addition to the championship, the prefix “the youngest” often appears in other records of Vettel. Sebastian himself admitted in an interview that three Michaels were his childhood idols: Jordan, Jackson and Schumacher. And if the singing career and basketball did not work out, then the admiration for Schumacher played a role in the fate of the guy. Vettel made his debut as part of the Toro Rosso team, and after spending two seasons, attracted the attention of Red Bull managers. It was with this team that the German racer managed to achieve the most striking victories. However, a series of mechanical breakdowns in 2014 did not allow Vettel to show himself in all its glory. The following season, he signed a contract with Ferrari. And let the list, which presents the most successful pilots of Formula 1 in 2015, is headed by Lewis Hamilton, behind Sebastian Vettel the second position. And, it is quite possible that he will not stop at four championships in his career.
4. Allen Prost
For his careful driving style and strict adherence to a complex racing strategy, Allen Prost earned the nickname "Professor". And thanks to brilliant results on the Formula 1 track, he confirmed his reputation as one of the best racers, and a four-time world title. Prosta, like no other driver, was lucky to have incredibly strong teammates who were also his competitors. The most striking confrontation was between him and Ayrton Senna, it was during this period that Prost was at the peak of his career. Relations escalated to such an extent that the driver was forced to leave the McLaren-Honda team, whose leadership made the main bets on Senna. At the end of his racing career, Allen Prost founded his own team, calling it the lucky name "Prost Grand Prix". But it didn't bring her much luck. And having not achieved serious success, after 4 years the team ceased to exist. Today Allen Prost is taking part in the Andros Trophy, and his eldest son is also trying his hand at racing. It is curious that the Frenchman Alain Prost is an ethnic Armenian on the maternal side, and according to his compatriots, he is included in the list of the 100 greatest Armenians of the 20th century.
3. Ayrton Senna
As the heir to a wealthy Brazilian landowner, Ayrton da Silva could count on a good education and a prestigious profession. But the passion for racing took over, and from the age of four the boy could drive a kart. And at the age of 17, Ayrton became the champion South America by karting. After 2 years, he changed the kart for a racing car and already in Europe became the winner of the British Formula Ford 1600 championship. Since 1982, Ayrton began to perform under his mother's maiden name. So, the unsurpassed Ayrton Senna appeared in the racing world. Often, on a wet track, pilots are cautious and slow down. But such restrictions were not for Senna, and he chose his most striking victories precisely in such difficult weather conditions. For which the journalists gave him the nickname "Rain Man". I must say, Ayrton Senna's driving style has always been very risky. Experts and colleagues often reproached him for putting himself in danger. Allen Prost, his longtime rival on the track, said that for Senna, victory is more important than life. And by the age of 34, Ayrton won many victories. He became the world champion in the Formula 1 class three times, had a good income and was actively involved in charity, donating millions to fight poverty in Brazil. But in May 1994, during the San Marino Grand Prix, an accident occurred, as a result of which the rider was fatally injured. A 3-day mourning was declared in the athlete's homeland, and more than a million people came to say goodbye to Senna. Today, experts unanimously call Ayrton Senna the best racer of all time and people.
2. Juan Manuel Fangio
The son of Italian immigrants who settled in Argentina, Juan Manuel Fangio became one of the brightest "stars" of Formula 1. His passion for cars manifested itself incredibly early. The boy was so fascinated by the mechanisms that at the age of 13 he decided to leave his studies in order to work in a car repair shop. Then the young man worked for some time as an ordinary taxi driver. And only at the age of 25 became interested car racing. Having shown himself as a talented racer in local championships, Fangio took part in the first Formula 1 championship. It happened in 1950, and then Juan Manuel came to the finish line only second. And a year later he really conquered the Formula 1 track. From 1951 to 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio was world champion five times. And until 2003, this number of titles was an absolute record. Only 46 years later, Michael Schumacher broke this incredible record. But in terms of the number of finishes on the podium, Fangio still has no equal. In addition, Juan Manuel Fangio is the only Formula 1 driver who has brought the championship to 4 different teams in his career. These are Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz. The famous athlete had a chance to play an important role in the political life of one country. It is no secret that even today Formula 1 pilots are known and respected all over the world. Such popularity was with Juan Manuel Fangio. In 1958, on the eve of the Cuban Grand Prix, the racer was kidnapped right from the hotel in Havana. Thus, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro decided to draw the attention of the world community to the atrocities of the Batista regime. For more than a day, the racer was kept in one of the houses. The kidnappers were very friendly, and Fangio generously gave them his autographs. The goal of the revolutionaries was achieved, thanks to the eminent racer, the whole world suddenly started talking about them. And although the athlete missed the decisive race, having lost another championship title, he did not hold a grudge against his captors.
1. Michael Schumacher
His name has already become a household name. Today, fans of fast driving are jokingly called "Schumachers". And in 1973, when 4-year-old Michael Schumacher first got behind the wheel of a kart, it was still difficult to guess the future “star” of Formula 1 and the seven-time world champion in it. By the way, this record of his, like many others, has not been beaten to this day. The father of the future racer was the manager of the local karting track, and it was he who began to introduce his son to this sport from an early age. But, despite the fact that the love of racing in the Schumacher family was hereditary, Michael's life could have turned out quite differently. As a child, he was seriously involved in judo, showing good results. But you can’t escape fate, and over time, the young Schumacher devoted himself entirely to racing. Having won everything that was possible in karting, Formula 3 and, having proved himself in Formula 3000, in 1991 he made his debut as a Formula 1 pilot. Completely ignorant of the track, and speaking on a frankly weak car, a daring debutant in the qualifying race I chose the opportunity to start from 7th position. And in November 1994, speaking for the Benetton team, Schumacher received his first championship title in Formula 1. In his career there will be 6 more, one as part of the same Benetton, the rest - together with Ferrari. Thanks to Michael Schumacher, the Ferrari stable after 21 years again felt the taste of the championship. The joint triumph of Scuderia and Schumacher lasted an incredible 5 years, that is how many times in a row Michael became the world champion from 2000 to 2004. At that time, the driver began to be called the "Red Baron", drawing analogies with the legendary German pilot Baron Richthofen, and hinting at the Ferrari team colors. Then the athlete decided to leave big sport. True, he soon resumed his career as part of the Mercedes-Benz team, but he could no longer repeat his past successes. And at the end of 2013, Schumacher was seriously injured. It happened not on a race track, but at a ski resort, when the racer decided to go down an unprepared slope. As a result of the accident, Michael received a complex head injury that almost cost him his life. So far, the rider has not coped with the consequences of the injury, but the doctors do not lose hope at least for his partial recovery. And millions of fans wish the unsurpassed "Red Baron" a speedy recovery.
It is quite difficult to choose an unsurpassed rider for all time, because each of them at one time gave out the most best result as much as he was capable of. But the format of the article obliges to select the 10 brightest participants. At the same time, as in racing, the rest are out of work. And who else from the legendary pilots, in your opinion, could become part of this rating?
