1956 F1 Season
Ferrari and Maserati Battled for Formula 1 World Championship
Following Lancia’s withdrawal from Grand Prix racing the previous year Ferrari inherited the team’s potent D50 racing cars. Mercedes had also disappeared, in the wake of the Le Mans tragedy, leaving their number one driver Juan-Manuel Fangio to sign for Ferrari. In 1956 the main opposition would come from the Maserati driven by Stirling Moss. The year would also see the emergence of another threat to the Italian teams, in the shape of the British Vanwall organisation.
Fangio and Musso Share Victory in Argentine GP
The season started in Buenos Aires early in 1956. Fangio pleased his home crowd by taking pole, setting the fastest race lap and winning the Grand Prix. It was not an easy victory, however, as the Argentine’s own car broke down, forcing him to take over team-mate Luigi Musso’s machine. Although the two drivers shared the points for victory they would prove crucial for Fangio in the title race. Jean Behra was second in a Maserati, with the similar car of Mike Hawthorn third.
Moss Wins Monaco Formula 1 Race
At Monaco Fangio had an unusually scrappy race, while Moss dominated the Grand Prix. Fangio twice went off track, damaging his car. He eventually gave his D50 to team-mate Eugenio Castellotti, who retired his own version early with clutch trouble. Fangio then took over the D50 driven by Peter Collins. In the closing laps he closed on Moss, who suffered damage in a collision with a backmarker, but was unable to catch the Englishman. Behra completed the podium, third for Maserati.
Flaherty Takes Pole and Victory at Indy
As in previous seasons the Indianapolis 500 counted towards the Formula 1 World Championship, but the lack of European competitors meant it was largely irrelevant to the final standings. The race was won by pole-sitter Pat Flaherty, driving a Watson roadster. Sam Hanks finished second, with Don Freeman third, having started 21st and 22nd respectively.
Collins Wins Belgian GP for Ferrari
Back in Europe the next race on the calendar was the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Fangio made a poor start from pole and slipped well back. By lap five he had passed Moss for the lead. Moss would later lose a wheel, resulting in him taking over the Maserati driven by Cesare Perdisa. Despite this drama he still shared the points for third place. The race was won by another Englishman. Peter Collins benefited from Fangio’s gearbox breaking to score his first world championship victory, ahead of Frenchman Paul Frère.
1956 F1 season review continues.
Maserati 250F Formula 1 car
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