Marko Hanželic
German GP 1957: Magnificent Fangio victory
The best race of one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, if not the best of all. With the legendary Maserati 250F is Fangio confronted with Mike Hawthorn in Peter Collins in both Lancia-Ferrari D50s. Team leader Nello Ugolini suggested driving with less fuel and on softer tires, as a lighter car was more suitable for an abrasive surface Nürburgring and one-stop tactics in the pits. Fangio led to the twelfth lap when he fell to third place after a stop in the pits, more than 30 seconds behind the leader.
What followed was an almost supernatural ride - when he was the chief mechanic Guerino Bertocchi gave a signal for Flat-out, Fangio set up a series of fastest laps and started hunting for both Ferraris. Despite having trouble unfolding the seat, he eventually celebrated the victory. Its 24. and the last in an outstanding career.“I’ve never been a spectacular racer, but I’ve been doing things in that race that I’ve never done before. I practically drove the race at maximum speed and in the end I won with a three-second advantage, " is legendary races recalled years later.
