33rd, Moss's Triumph, Fangio's Noble Gesture, and Monza's Legendary Legacy
Fear of tyre failures is nothing new. But if modern Formula 1 drivers were prepared to boycott after the troubles at the British GP this July past, what would they make of those at Monza 57 years ago?
This wasn’t just flat-out Monza, remember – this was Monza complete with the rough, rubber-shredding banking. So much about the race that was officially called the Gran Premio d’Europa simply couldn’t be countenanced today.
The Lancia–Ferraris were fast but vulnerable on their Engleberts, against the Pirelli-shod Maseratis and the Dunlop-tyred Vanwall of an inspired Harry Schell. Against all reason, Eugenio Castellotti and Luigi Musso ignored Ferrari’s tyre fears and raced hard – until they were forced to stop for new sets. Castellotti would subsequently throw a tread on the banking, walking away from a frightening accident. It wasn’t the only close call that day.