Juan Manuel Fangio

Juan Manuel Fangio was an Argentine racing driver who dominated the first decade of the Formula 1 World Championship, winning five titles in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957. His record of five championships stood for 46 years until it was surpassed by Michael Schumacher.

Remarkably, Fangio won his titles with four different manufacturers — Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Ferrari and Maserati — a feat unmatched to this day. He won 24 of the 52 championship races he entered, an extraordinary strike rate that underlines his command of the era.

Revered for his sportsmanship and tactical brilliance, "El Maestro" retired in 1958 and remained a beloved ambassador for the sport until his death in 1995.