The Euro 2020 final will be played between two historically relevant Countries for motorsport and Formula 1. The Italian and English anthems have been dominating the podiums worldwide, hence let’s take a look at some of those who kept high the pride and joy of their people.
ITALY:
Riccardo Patrese
Born on the 17 of April 1954 in Padua, Veneto, Patrese’s resilience was overly tested in his long and unlucky career. Riccardo is the eighth-most experienced driver in F1 history, having taken part in 257 Grands Prix and even conquering the nickname “Grandpa”. From his first victory on a Brabham in Monaco 1982 to his last win during the 1992 Japanese Grand Prix with Williams, Patrese conquered in his career 6 victories and 37 podiums, making him the third most successful Italian F1 driver ever.
Giuseppe “Nino” Farina
Born on the 30th of October 1906, Farina was the first-ever official Grand Prix winner in Formula 1 during the 1950 British Grand Prix. He would then go on to become F1’s first World Champion in the same year. Impulsive and bold, Nino stepped on the podium 20 times out of 33 entries and triumphed 5 (4 with Alfa Romeo and 1 with Scuderia Ferrari).
Alberto Ascari
Ascari is simply the greatest Italian legend. Born in Milan on the 13th of July 1918, Alberto followed the steps of his father Antonio in becoming a racing driver and took part in 33 Grands Prix. Out of 17 podiums, Ascari conquered 13 wins and he remains Scuderia Ferrari’s only Italian Champion and (with Michael Schumacher) back-to-back Champion. Alberto was extremely superstitious and his tragic death in Monza remains one of F1’s most terrible coincidences.
ENGLAND:
Graham Hill
Born on the 15th of February 1929 in Hampstead, London, Graham Hill is obviously regarded as an F1 legend. 176 starts, 36 podiums, and 14 wins create Hill’s myth. Mr. Monaco is the only driver to ever conquered the Triple Crown, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1972), Indianapolis 500 (1966), and the Grand Prix of Monaco (1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969).
Nigel Mansell
Mansell was born on the 8th of August 1953 and has since been a symbol of racing to the limit and bravery o track. From his maiden win during the 1985 European Grand Prix to his last entry in the 1995 Spanish Grand Prix, the Lion was able to make the fans dream and his teammates struggle with mind games. 59 podiums, 31 wins, and the 1992 World Championship complete the legend.
Lewis Hamilton
The inclusion of Sir Lewis Hamilton on this list is obvious. 100 pole positions, 171 podiums, 98 victories, 7 World Championships and currently challenging to become F1’s most titled driver. Lewis’ consistency over the season is almost unbeatable and he proved his extraordinary talent more than once. For the past 14 years, Hamilton has made the British anthem play around the globe, and with his recent contract’s renewal, he is looking forward to keeping making history.
Headline Image: riccardopatrese.com