Giancarlo Fisichella

Giancarlo Fisichella (January 14, 1973 - Present): An Italian racing driver and motorsport executive, Giancarlo Fisichella competed in Formula One from 1996 to 2009, winning three Grands Prix across 14 seasons. Nicknamed "Fisico" or "Giano," Fisichella was born and raised in Rome and is a member of the noble Fisichella family of Sicily. He made his Formula One debut with Minardi at the 1996 Australian Grand Prix after success in junior categories. Fisichella moved to Jordan for 1997, where he achieved his first podium finishes at the Canadian and Belgian Grands Prix, establishing himself as a fast and consistent driver.

He joined Benetton in 1998, partnering Alexander Wurz and later Jenson Button, before moving to Sauber for 2004 alongside Felipe Massa. Fisichella's career peaked during his time with Renault (2005-2007, 2008). In 2005, he partnered Fernando Alonso and played a crucial role in Renault's championship success. He won his first Grand Prix at the rain-affected 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix while driving for Jordan—though the victory was only confirmed after five days of deliberation due to a timekeeping controversy that initially classified him second.

His second victory came in 2005 at the Australian Grand Prix, where he started from pole position and dominated the race. In 2006, Fisichella won the Malaysian Grand Prix, again from pole position, helping Renault secure back-to-back Constructors' Championships. He achieved a career-best fourth place in the 2006 World Drivers' Championship. After leaving Renault, Fisichella joined Force India for 2008-2009.

In a remarkable performance at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, he qualified on pole position and finished second in the rain-affected race. This performance earned him a surprise call-up to Ferrari, where he replaced the injured Felipe Massa for the final five races of 2009. Though his Ferrari stint was disappointing, Fisichella remained with the team as reserve driver in 2010. He retired from Formula One with 3 wins, 19 podiums, and 4 pole positions from 229 races.

Fisichella later became sporting director at the AF Corse racing team.