The 1951 Formula One season was the second official FIA Formula One World Championship. It consisted of eight races, including the Indianapolis 500. Juan Manuel Fangio won his first World Championship driving for Alfa Romeo, while Ferrari scored their maiden Formula 1 victory at the British Grand Prix with Froilán González. The season marked the end of Alfa Romeo's dominance as Ferrari's supercharged engine proved increasingly competitive.
The 1951 World Championship opened at Bremgarten in Bern. Juan Manuel Fangio took pole, fastest lap, and the win for Alfa Romeo, with teammate Nino Farina finishing second. Piero Taruffi completed the podium for Ferrari.
The Indianapolis 500, a championship round run to AAA regulations, was won by Lee Wallard in a Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser. It was the only round not contested by the European teams.
At Spa-Francorchamps, Fangio again claimed pole, fastest lap, and victory for Alfa Romeo. Alberto Ascari finished second for Ferrari, with Farina third. The race was run in wet conditions, showcasing Fangio's mastery of difficult conditions.
At Reims-Gueux, Fangio's car broke down and he took over teammate Luigi Fagioli's Alfa Romeo, winning the race. Fagioli, who had been leading when he handed over his car, was credited with the victory, making him the oldest Grand Prix winner at 53 years old. This remains one of the last shared-drive wins in F1 history.
Froilán González scored Ferrari's first-ever Formula 1 World Championship victory at Silverstone, breaking Alfa Romeo's stranglehold on the sport. González led from pole and finished ahead of Fangio. This was a watershed moment signaling Ferrari's rise as a dominant force in Formula 1.
At the Nürburgring, Fangio returned to winning ways for Alfa Romeo, taking pole, fastest lap, and the race win. Alberto Ascari finished second for Ferrari, with Farina third. The race demonstrated the close battle between Alfa Romeo and Ferrari that defined the season.
Alberto Ascari delivered Ferrari an emotional home victory at Monza, ahead of teammate González. Fangio retired with mechanical issues, tightening the championship battle heading into the final round. The result meant the title would be decided at the Spanish Grand Prix.
At the Pedralbes circuit in Barcelona, Juan Manuel Fangio secured his first World Championship by winning the race for Alfa Romeo. Ferrari's tires suffered badly on the abrasive surface, allowing Fangio to cruise to victory. Fangio clinched the title with 31 points, ahead of Alberto Ascari and Froilán González.
