Before Schumacher, Senna or Hamilton, there was Juan Manuel Fangio. The Argentine won five Formula 1 world championships with four different teams, and his win rate of 46 per cent, 24 victories from 51 starts, remains the best in the history of the sport.
From a small town in Argentina to El Maestro of the 1950s, this is the story of one of motor racing's greatest. Discover more racing icons in our Formula 1 collection.
Juan Manuel Fangio Fact File
| Full name | Juan Manuel Fangio |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 24 June 1911 |
| Place of birth | Balcarce, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Died | 17 July 1995, Buenos Aires (aged 84) |
| Discipline | Formula 1 racing driver |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Status | Retired 1958 |
| F1 teams | Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari |
| Nickname | El Chueco, El Maestro |
Career History
| Year | Team | Championship Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Alfa Romeo | Runner-up |
| 1951 | Alfa Romeo | World Champion |
| 1953 | Maserati | Runner-up |
| 1954 | Maserati / Mercedes-Benz | World Champion |
| 1955 | Mercedes-Benz | World Champion |
| 1956 | Ferrari | World Champion |
| 1957 | Maserati | World Champion |
| 1958 | Maserati | Retired mid-season |
Career totals: 51 starts, 24 wins, 29 pole positions, 23 fastest laps and 35 podiums. He missed the 1952 championship season through injury.
Early Years in Balcarce
Juan Manuel Fangio was born in Balcarce, in Buenos Aires Province, on 24 June 1911. He learned his trade as a mechanic and made his name in the punishing long-distance road races of South America before heading to Europe. His bow-legged walk earned him the nickname El Chueco.
By the time the World Championship began in 1950, he was already in his late thirties. Celebrate El Maestro with our Juan Manuel Fangio Motor Racing Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
First Title With Alfa Romeo
Driving for Alfa Romeo, Fangio finished runner-up in the first World Championship in 1950 and claimed his first title in 1951. A serious crash at Monza in 1952 ruled him out for the rest of that season, but he returned with Maserati in 1953 and finished second again.
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Four Titles in a Row
Fangio then won four consecutive championships. In 1954 he started the year with Maserati before moving to Mercedes-Benz, and he retained the title with Mercedes in 1955. In 1956 he won with Ferrari, and in 1957 he returned to Maserati for a fifth crown.
That 1957 season produced his greatest drive. At the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, a slow pit stop left him around 50 seconds behind the leaders. He broke the lap record again and again, caught the Ferraris and won. He later said he had never driven that quickly in his life. Our Juan Manuel Fangio Men's Hoodie honours that legendary day.
Retirement and Legacy
Fangio retired after the 1958 French Grand Prix. His five world titles stood as a record for 46 years until Michael Schumacher won his sixth in 2003. He later became honorary president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina, and a museum dedicated to his life and cars opened in Balcarce in 1986.
Honours
World Championships
- 1951 (Alfa Romeo)
- 1954 (Maserati, Mercedes-Benz)
- 1955 (Mercedes-Benz)
- 1956 (Ferrari)
- 1957 (Maserati)
Records
- Highest win percentage in F1 history (24 wins from 51 starts)
- 29 pole positions from 51 starts
- Five titles, a record until 2003
Statistics
- 23 fastest laps
- 35 podiums
Away From the Track
Fangio was known for his modesty and sportsmanship, and he remained a revered figure in Argentina until his death in 1995. The Juan Manuel Fangio museum in his home town of Balcarce still welcomes visitors from around the world.
FAQs
How old was Juan Manuel Fangio when he died?
Fangio died on 17 July 1995 in Buenos Aires, aged 84.
Where was Juan Manuel Fangio born?
He was born in Balcarce, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
How many world titles did Fangio win?
He won five Formula 1 world championships: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957.
What teams did Fangio drive for?
He won world titles with Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari.
How many races did Fangio win?
He won 24 of his 51 World Championship starts, the highest win rate in F1 history.
What was Fangio's greatest race?
The 1957 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where he recovered from a slow pit stop to beat the Ferraris and clinch his fifth title.
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Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Michael Schumacher Career Story and Ayrton Senna Career Story.
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