Juan Manuel Fangio, 1954

Juan Manuel Fangio won his second F1 Drivers’ Championship, after previously winning it in 1951. After the first couple of races, he switched teams, going from Maserati to Mercedes-Benz, making him the only F1 driver in history to win a championship driving for more than one team in the same season.

After the championship had been run under Formula Two regulations for two seasons, the maximum engine capacity was increased to 2.5 litres for 1954. This increased average power outputs by 150% and attracted several new constructors. At the same time, some F2 constructors withdrew, while others intended to compete, but could not get an F1 chassis ready in time.

Picture below: Juan Manuel Fangio (Mercedes) leads Stirling Moss (Maserati) during the 1954 Italian Grand Prix held at Monza. The great Argentinian won the race from pole position.