Giuseppe Emilio Farina

Introduce

Giuseppe Emilio Farina, known as Nino, was born on October 30, 1906, in Turin, Italy, and passed away on June 30, 1966, in Aiguebelle. He was an Italian racing driver, renowned for clinching the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship title in 1950.

Farina made history in 1950 by becoming the first-ever modern Formula 1 World Champion. He not only won the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix that year but also secured the inaugural pole position. Besides his racing achievements, Farina gained notoriety for his flamboyant lifestyle, both on and off the track, which was considered “excessive” for the time. He was often seen racing with a Cuban cigar in his mouth and was known for his passion for women. Additionally, he obtained a degree in Political Science.

His father, Giovanni, was the founder of “Stabilimenti Farina,” one of the oldest and most significant automotive body manufacturers of the time. His uncle, Battista Farina, was the founder of the renowned Pininfarina.

Tragically, Farina passed away at the age of 59 in a car accident near Aiguebelle. He lost control of his Ford Cortina Lotus while navigating a high-speed curve on his way to the French Grand Prix in Reims. His untimely death marked the end of a remarkable career in motorsport.