 |
Luigi FagioliItalian racing driver
Date of Birth: 09.06.1898
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Italian racing driver
Luigi Fagioli was an Italian racing driver who participated in the Formula 1 World Championships in the 1950 and 1951 seasons. He achieved third place in the 1950 championship. Fagioli was known for his stubborn character and disagreement with authorities, earning him the nickname "Old Robber from Abruzzo." He began his career in 1926 and saw his first successes after joining the Maserati team.
Success with Alfa Romeo and Mercedes
In 1933, Fagioli moved to the Alfa Romeo team and was able to win the Pescara, Como, Marseille, and Italy Grands Prix. In 1934, he became the second driver for the Mercedes team, winning the Italian and Spanish Grands Prix that season. The following year, Fagioli triumphed in the Monaco Grand Prix, AFUS Circuit, and Barcelona while still with Mercedes. However, conflicts within the team prompted him to switch to the main competitor, Auto Union.
Post-war career and tragic accident
After World War II, Fagioli resumed his career with the Alfa Romeo team, which dominated the races in the 1950 and 1951 seasons. In the 1950 season, Fagioli secured third place in the World Championship, finishing on the podium in five races, only behind Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio. He remained with the team for the 1951 season but was ordered to give his car to Fangio during the French Grand Prix, resulting in Fangio's victory. This incident marked Fagioli's decision to no longer participate in Formula 1 championships.
In 1952, Fagioli participated in the Monaco Grand Prix, which was held that year using body-on-frame cars. Unfortunately, he lost control in the tunnel and crashed into a concrete balustrade. Fagioli was thrown out of the car and taken to the hospital unconscious, with fractures in his arm and leg. He regained consciousness four days later, but three weeks after the accident, his nervous system failed, and he passed away at the age of 54.
