Shark attack

The pretty Ferrari 156, recognisable by it’s shark shaped nose, dominated the 1961 Formula One season.

Twice, 4 single-seaters were entered by the Scuderia: at Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix, where the one driven by Olivier Gendebien, here leading on the first lap (picture here-under), was painted yellow, in reference to Jacques Swaters’ Écurie Francorchamps, the Ferrari distributor for the Benelux.

The second time at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, where the fourth 156 was driven by Mexican rookie Ricardo Rodriguez, next to the regular entries of Wolfgang von Trips, Phil Hill and Richie Ginther.

Sadly, the race was marred by the tragic accident of von Trips, where besides the driver, 15 spectators died, leaving a bad taste in Phil Hill’s mouth, crowned that day, the first American driver to become Formula One World Champion.