GOD SAVE THE QUEEN: BRITISH F1 DOMINATION BEGINS

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN: BRITISH F1 DOMINATION BEGINS

By the 1957 season, a very clear and prominent trend had emerged in Formula 1. It is visible from the first 8 world championships in sports and the final ranking in them. The sport is dominated by Italians and Argentines. And especially from the South American Juan Manuel Fangio with his 5 titles. The remaining 3 are shared between the Italians Giuseppe Farina and the two of Alberto Ascari. In 1958, the situation in sports took a sharp turn. Italy and Argentina have not had another world champion to this day…

The first start of the season is the perfect embodiment of the events to come. The legendary Fangio started at his home track in Buenos Aires from the first position and everyone expected him to win, even though he was already racing for an Argentinian team. Nothing like that… Despite setting the fastest lap of the race, the Argentinian eventually missed the podium and finished 4th. The winner is Stirling Moss, and 3rd is his compatriot Mike Hawthorne. British domination begins! Although some of the Island's representatives compete for Italian teams.

Such is the case of Hawthorne, who drives for Ferrari. By Round 5 in Belgium, the Doncaster-born driver was struggling immensely. Mike did not finish in Monaco, but in the Netherlands he was 5th. Understandably, he didn't travel to the US for the regular Indianapolis 500. Since the break, he's been uncompromisingly consistent. Only one win, but also 5 second places from a total of 7 races.

His solid driving and regular problems for his rivals secured his first and last F1 title in 1958. More impressive than the '58 season was another. No Italians, no Argentinians... The top 5 overall are all from Great Britain. After the champion with Ferrari follow: Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks with Vanwall, Roy Salvadori with Cooper-Climax and Peter Collins with Ferrari. This season is no exception. Until 1970, only Britons, Australians and Americans won the F1 title.

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