F1 swan songs: Giuseppe Farina

As Formula 1’s first ever World Champion, Giuseppe Farina’s “lasts” are rarely ever remembered. But what if we told you the Italian’s last ever F1 race was as unconventional as it was unspectacular?

After his 1954 F1 season ended early due to persistent pain caused by injury, “Nino” was ready to compete in the 1955 edition of the 500-Mile International Sweepstakes, nowadays called the Indianapolis 500 and part of the IndyCar Series calendar. But what does this have to do with Formula 1, you may ask? What some may not know is that the Indy 500 was part of the World Drivers’ Championship from its start in 1950 until 1960, and, therefore, was, technically speaking, Farina’s last F1 Grand Prix entry, and not the 1954 Italian GP.

What is also unimaginable nowadays is Ferrari entering the so-called “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. And whilst this technically also just happened once, when Alberto Ascari’s Ferrari 375 Indianapolis came in 31^st place in 1952, Farina did enter the 1956 edition with a Bardahl-Ferrari. The car, a (now) classic Kurtis Kraft chassis, received its name from its Ferrari six-cylinder engine and its sponsorship from motor oil additive brand Bardahl.

Despite the big names of the Italian giants accompanying car #9’s entry, actually qualifying for the race was proving to be a hard challenge. If the legendary Farina had an Achilles heel, it was the 500, as he failed to qualify in the first two time trials of May 19^th and May 20^th. The prize he had cherished and hoped for, pole position, was occupied by eventual winner, American Pat Flaherty.

May 26^th proved to be another unfortunate day for the Turin-born driver, as the rain forced the cancellation of the third session of time trials. On his final opportunity, May 27^th, Farina officially failed to qualify for the 1956 Indianapolis 500 due to a lack of speed, and therefore officially ended a Formula 1 career he can be proud of.

The Italian did not know this at the time, however, as he returned one year later to the USAC-sanctioned event with an entry alongside teammate and home hero Keith Andrews. The car, simply named “Farina”, was another Kurtis Kraft chassis, but was powered by Offenhauser this time around. However, car #62 never even attempted to qualify, as “Nino” withdrew after Andrews was killed during a test run on May 15^th and Farina officially never participated.

The 1956 Indy 500 was, therefore, the former Alfa Romeo driver’s last ever major race. He passed away himself, after a decade away from racing, in 1966, due to a car crash unrelated directly to motorsports.