Italian Grand Prix 1955 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Juan Manuel Fangio claimed his third consecutive victory to seal his third World Championship with a commanding performance at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Argentine champion dominated the high-speed temple of speed, leading home Piero Taruffi in a Mercedes one-two finish that capped a remarkable season for the German manufacturer. Eugenio Castellotti salvaged third place for Ferrari in front of their passionate home crowd, but the tifosi could only watch in frustration as Mercedes celebrated another comprehensive victory.

Monza's ultra-fast layout with its long straights and sweeping curves suited the Mercedes W196 perfectly, allowing Fangio to demonstrate the car's combination of power, aerodynamic efficiency, and mechanical reliability. The championship had been mathematically secured before Monza, but Fangio's professionalism and competitive drive ensured he delivered a dominant performance rather than cruising to the finish. His third title equaled the record set by his idol Juan Manuel Fangio, though at 44 years old, he showed no signs of slowing down.

The Italian Grand Prix marked Mercedes-Benz's final Formula 1 race before their withdrawal from motorsport, making Fangio's victory a bittersweet farewell for the most dominant team of the 1950s. The Le Mans tragedy in June had prompted Mercedes' decision to exit racing entirely, ending their Grand Prix program despite unprecedented success. Fangio's championship represented Mercedes' perfect swan song - a season of technical dominance marred only by unspeakable tragedy, but concluding with the sport's greatest driver claiming his third world title in Silver Arrows livery.