There are few drivers in the history of Grand Prix racing that can be mentioned in the same breath as the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. Though his short, stocky frame, reserved mannerisms and high pitched voice did contributed to a rather unassuming appearance, they were equaled by steel blue eyes and a dominant nose which screamed bird of prey. Furthermore, his killer-instinct driving style was balanced by a quiet, self-effacing demeanor outside the car that was greatly admired by his fellow racers.

Luckily enough, his immaculate career began at the most opportune time, directly after the second world war when Grand Prix racing was re-emerging in popularity, and before its conclusion in 1958 he would be looked at around the world as the epitome of a sporting champion.

He first came to Europe in 1948 after the star of the day, Jean-Pierre Wimille, saw him while in Argentina and passed the word of his talent on to the Grand Prix teams. The Argentinean government sponsored his first trip to Europe, and by 1949 he was a regular winner; taking wins in the San Remo GP, Pau GP, and Albi GP to the astonishment of the Europeans. By the start of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950 he was at the top of his game at Alfa Romeo and truly the man to beat. He was runner up to Nino Farina in 1950, then took the title the following year. He joined Maserati in 1953 when Alfa Romeo left Grand Prix racing, yet was at a disadvantage to Ferrari due to rule changes, and Alberto Ascari duly won in 1952 and 1953. Fangio stayed with Maserati for the start of the 1954 season, then switched to Mercedes-Benz two races in, and promptly won the championship with them. The next three years were all his, winning with Mercedes the next year, Ferrari in 1956, and Maserati in 1957. This year saw his most famous win in one of the greatest Grand Prix of all time, the 1957 German Grand Prix at Nurburgring, where he came from over a minute adrift to win. By the end of his career he would rack up an unmatched five World Championships, and amazingly won over 47% of the races he entered - by far the highest winning percentage in history.

In 1958 he and Maserati had a difference of opinion over the safety of their cars, and he abruptly retired from racing half way through the season, never to return. Intelligent, decisive changes of teams would be a defining characteristic of his career, as his championships over a relatively short period of time were attained with four different teams, unlike the similarly talented Stirling Moss who was overly nationalistic in his team selection, therein never giving him the chance to win. Even so, one must concede that his stature as a driver was beyond that of any other driver of his time.

Starts: 51 - Wins: 24 - Poles: 29