Fangio, Juan Manuel

▪ 1996

      Argentine race-car driver (b. June 24, 1911, Balcarce, Arg.—d. July 17, 1995, Buenos Aires, Arg.), was an endurance specialist and precision technician who combined quick reflexes, strength, and tenacity to dominate automobile-racing competitions during the 1950s. He was a record five-time winner (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957) of the world driving championship, a feat unequaled in modern times. His victories came during a period when drivers donned leather helmets and raced at dangerously high speeds without wearing seat belts. (At least 30 drivers died during Fangio's career.) After competing in South American long-distance races, Fangio joined (1948) the grand prix circuit and won world titles driving for Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Maserati. His most spectacular win was in 1957; Fangio trailed the leaders by almost a minute but challenged them late in the race and crossed the finish line 3.6 seconds ahead of them, precariously holding himself in the cockpit with his knees because the bolt that fastened his seat had broken. Although averse to taking risks, he had broken the lap record 10 times during that race. At the time of his retirement in 1958, he had won 24 of his 51 grand prix races and earned the admiration of his peers as well as the adulation of his countrymen. He settled in Argentina and became an executive for Mercedes-Benz.

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▪ Argentine auto racing driver

born June 24, 1911, Balcarce, Arg.

died July 17, 1995, Buenos Aires

 driver who dominated automobile-racing competition in the 1950s, winning the world driving championship in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957. He had won 24 world-championship Grand Prix races when he retired from racing in 1958. Fangio won the world titles driving for Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Maserati. He also won the 12-hour Sebring, Fla., sports car race in 1956 and 1957. After his retirement from racing, he worked for Mercedes-Benz in Argentina.

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