The Italian affair: Alfa Romeo and Ferrari decide the second title in Formula 1

The Italian affair: Alfa Romeo and Ferrari decide the second title in Formula 1

In 1950, Formula 1 broadcast its first world champion. Giuseppe Farina and Alfa Romeo go down in history as the first winners. The Italian saw off stiff competition from his Argentinian team-mate Juan Manuel Fangio, and in typical fashion of the most watched motor race, the champion was decided on the final lap at the legendary Monza circuit.

Like any successful product that is still building its foundations, F1 is already expanding in its second season. In 1951, the teams went from 30 to 32. The geography of the teams included organizations from Brazil and Thailand, which still used Italian engines from Ferrari and Maserati.

Races are also more, although the difference is not significant. Formula 1 weekends have been increased from 7 to 8. The Indianapolis 500 in the USA, whose rules do not have much in common with the European Grands Prix, remains on the calendar. According to an old tradition, the winners in it are Americans, who are infinitely far from the battle for the title. And in the second season of the championship, it is even more interesting. Unlike in 1950, the contenders for the crown were not exclusively from Alfa Romeo. Ferrari is becoming a very real competition for its compatriots.

Juan Manuel Fangio became Alfa Romeo's No. 1 driver despite losing the title and team battle the previous season. The Italian Alberto Ascari makes a very good impression on Ferrari. The Scuderia also makes a sensational decision. After the first race in Switzerland, the "black horses" brought in the independent champion of Argentina, Jose Froilan Gonzalez, although he did not finish the race at the Bremgarten circuit.

The three-way title battle between them remains open until the final race. Before him, they occupied the podium in almost all races. The last two were won by Alberto Ascari and Ferrari. In the final round in Barcelona, however, he remains 4th, and Juan Manuel Fangio grabs the first position both on the Pedralbes circuit and in the general classification. The 1951 season marked the beginning of the Argentine's dominance. By 1957 he had won a total of 5 titles to become the first great F1 legend.

.