31. 1956 Italian GP: Fangio's fourth title after Collins' sportsmanship

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 69 years ago?

Eugenio Castellotti trudges from his Ferrari

September 2, Monza

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.

Stirling Moss leads Monza 1956

Moss leads a slipstreaming pack into the famous banking

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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.

Enzo Ferrari and Juan Manuel Fangio celebrate

Straight down the camera: Enzo Ferrari and Juan Manuel Fangio (right) celebrate the Argentine’s fourth world title.

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At the front, Moss looked peerless until his 250F faltered, out of fuel thanks to a leak. Maserati privateer Piotti saved the day, thinking quick to run up behind and push Moss’s car pitwards (imagine!). Stirling was back in the race, behind new leader Musso. But then the Lancia-Ferrari suffered a steering arm breakage, the subsequent tyre blow-out sending Luigi into a pits-bound slide. As Jenks reported, “By sheer luck he came to rest a matter of inches from the pit counters and was helped out weak and very shaken, with the Italian GP once more wrested from his grasp.”

F1 tires at Monza 1956

Monza’s impact in focus

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Thus Moss took victory from the Lancia-Ferrari of Peter Collins – but now driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. Yes, the ultimate example of F1 as a team sport. The Briton gave up his car for the maestro (Musso wouldn’t have it), allowing his team leader to claim his fourth title. Scandalous? No. Back then, simply sporting and the act of a gentleman. DS

Results

1st Stirling Moss (Maserati), 2hr 23min 41.3sec, 129.73mph
2nd Peter Collins/Juan Manuel Fangio (Lancia-Ferrari)
3rd Ron Flockhart (Connaught-Alta)
Pole position Fangio (Lancia-Ferrari), 2min 42.6sec, 137.57mph

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