Eugenio Castellotti

Eugenio Castellotti (Italian pronunciation: [euˈdʒɛːnjo kastɛˈlɔtti]; 10 October 1930 – 14 March 1957) was an Italian racing driver, who competed in Formula One at 14 Grands Prix from 1955 to 1957. Nicknamed "il Bello", Castellotti won the Mille Miglia and 12 Hours of Sebring, both in 1956 with Ferrari.

Born and raised in Lombardy, Castellotti began his career in sportscar racing aged 20, driving a Ferrari 166. He took his first major victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1952. The following year, he won the 10 Hours of Messina; he took further podiums in sportscars at the Bari and Monaco Grands Prix in 1952, as well as the Carrera Panamericana in 1953. Castellotti debuted in Formula One with Lancia in 1955, taking his maiden podium in Monaco and becoming the then-youngest polesitter in Formula One history in Belgium, aged 24.

Castellotti contested the final three rounds of 1955 with Ferrari, taking a podium at the Italian Grand Prix to clinch third in the World Drivers' Championship. He retained his seat in 1956, securing his third career podium at the French Grand Prix. Amongst his Formula One duties, he continued his sportscar career, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring alongside Juan Manuel Fangio, as well as the Mille Miglia in a 290 MM. Remaining with Ferrari for his 1957 campaign, he won the 1000 km Buenos Aires. In March 1957, Castellotti died following an accident whilst testing the Ferrari 801 at Modena.