Giuseppe Farina

Biography of Giuseppe Farina

Giuseppe 'Nino' Farina is one of the most significant drivers in F1 history.

The Italian became the first world championship grand prix winner at the inaugural event at Silverstone, paving the path for every icon that followed.

Wins at the Swiss and Italian Grands Prix in 1950 ensured Farina would become the first F1 world champion whilst driving for Alfa Romeo.

After finishing fourth in 1951, Farina switched to Ferrari for the remainder of his career, finishing second in the 1952 standings behind compatriot Alberto Ascari.

A year later, Farina clinched his final grand prix victory at the German Grand Prix, with only six entries into championship races in 1954 and 1955, a shared podium in Argentina, fourth in Monaco and a third in Belgium good enough to take fifth in the championship.

Farina's last official entry into an F1 championship round was the 1956 Indianapolis 500, although he failed to qualify.

With five total wins, five pole positions and five fastest laps, Farina wouldn't set the world alight quite how Ascari and Juan Manuel Fangio did around him. But as the first winner and champion in F1's rich history, the Italian will forever remain a legend of the sport.