Ascari Defends, Fangio Returns

Alberto Ascari became the first driver to retain the title, while a returning Juan Manuel Fangio and Maserati closed the gap by the final corner.

Alberto Ascari's defense began with the championship's first visit outside Europe, Indianapolis aside, and with a tragedy. At the Argentine Grand Prix in January, spectators had crowded right up to the edge of the track. Giuseppe Farina spun off and his Ferrari went into the crowd, killing at least nine people. A boy who ran onto the circuit was struck by a car and killed as well. The race went on, and Ascari won it by a lap from Luigi Villoresi.

The calendar

• Argentine Grand Prix, won by Alberto Ascari
• Indianapolis 500, won by Bill Vukovich
• Dutch Grand Prix, won by Alberto Ascari
• Belgian Grand Prix, won by Alberto Ascari
• French Grand Prix, won by Mike Hawthorn
• British Grand Prix, won by Alberto Ascari
• German Grand Prix, won by Giuseppe Farina
• Swiss Grand Prix, won by Alberto Ascari
• Italian Grand Prix, won by Juan Manuel Fangio