José Froilan Gonzalez has passed away

He was one of the last drivers still alive to have participated in the birth of the world championship of Formula 1 in 1950. José Froilan Gonzalez is no more. If with two victories to his name this Argentinian has not entered the record books, he will forever have a special place in the hearts of fans and other enthusiasts of the premier category. Indeed, he is the first man to have won a race for Team Ferrari. It was in 1951, on the Silverstone circuit, in Great Britain. A first victory for this formation which would bring many others over the following 60 years? Including one in 1954, still in England, still to the credit of the “Bull of the Pampas”, as the South American was nicknamed.

This will be his last success in Formula 1. But that same year, he would also win in another very big motorsport event: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Always aboard a Prancing Horse car, a Ferrari 375 Plus, and in association with a certain Maurice Trintignant. At the end of this season, the Argentinian will finish vice-world champion behind Juan-Manuel Fangio. His compatriot and friend, whom he had followed a few years earlier to try his luck in Europe. With this loss, Marseillais Robert Manzon, aged 96, is the last driver still alive to have participated in the very first F1 world championship.