5-Time World Drivers Champion 1951 - 1954 - 1955 - 1956 - 1957 F1 runner-up twice (1950, 1953) 24 victories in 51 starts over 5 seasons. 28 F1 Pole Positions Two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring (1956, 1957) Born -1911 in Balcarce, Argentina. Son of a stonemason from a family of Italian immigrants. Began as a riding mechanic, then driver of Fords and Chevys in long distance, South American road races. Ran his first event in a converted taxi in 1936. Won the 5,900 mile Grand Premio del Norte road race in 1940, financially supported by the people of Balcarce. Raced a Maserati, owned by the Argentine Automobile Club, against European drivers for the first time in 1948. Went to Europe with club and government sponsorship in 1949, and won 6 regional events in a Maserati, Gordini and Ferrari. Invited back to join Alfa's team for the 1950 season. After retiring as a driver, he advised Argentine racers and his former sponsors. He was honorary president of Mercedes-Benz in Argentina. Fangio was reknowned to those who knew him as a great sportsman and gentleman. Juan Manuel Fangio Career Highlights Season Team Events Points Victories 1950 Alfa Romeo 6 27 Monaco, Belgium and France 1951 Alfa Romeo 7 31 Switzerland, Europe* and Spain. (* shared w/Fagioli); 1952 Spent much of the year recuperating from a broken neck after a crash at Monza 1953 Maserati 8 27.5 Italy   Lancia (sports car)     Carrera Panamerica Mexicana 1954 Maserati & Mercedes 2 & 6 57.14 Argentina, Belgium, France, Europe, Switzerland and Italy 1955 Mercedes 6 40 Argentina, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy 1956 Lancia-Ferrari 7 30 Argentina*, Great Britain and Germany. (*w/Musso) 1957 Maserati 7 40 Argentina, Monaco, France and Germany 1958 Maserati 2 7 Retired at the end of the season Juan Manuel Fangio died in 1995. He was 84.