
Juan Manuel Fangio
PersonJuan Manuel Fangio, born on June 24, 1911, in Balcarce, Argentina, to a family of Italian immigrants, is a legendary figure in motorsport history. He began his career as a mechanic and transitioned into racing, competing in the Argentine stock car racing series Turismo Carretera. Fangio's early success included winning the Grand Prix International Championship and becoming the Argentine National Champion in 1940 and 1941. His prowess in long-distance races across South America, such as the Gran Premio del Norte, showcased his endurance and skill under extreme conditions. Fangio's Formula One career spanned from 1950 to 1958, during which he won five World Drivers' Championships with four different teams: Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Maserati. He holds a remarkable winning percentage of 46.15% in Formula One. Fangio's retirement in 1958 followed a remarkable performance at the Nürburgring, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in history. Known for his humility and dedication to racing, Fangio inspired generations of drivers and enthusiasts worldwide. After his racing career, he worked with Mercedes-Benz Argentina until his death in 1995.