Famous Italian Race Car Drivers

Alex Zanardi is an accomplished Italian racing driver and paracyclist. He achieved success in CART, winning the championship in 1997 and 1998 with 15 victories. Zanardi also competed in Formula One and returned to CART after a major crash led to the amputation of his legs. Despite this setback, he continued racing and transitioned to touring car championships. Zanardi's resilience and determination were further demonstrated in his successful foray into handcycling, winning medals at international competitions and the Paralympics.

Giancarlo Fisichella, also known as Fisico, Giano, or Fisi, is an accomplished Italian professional racing driver with a notable career in Formula One. He has driven for various teams including Minardi, Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault, Force India, and Ferrari. Fisichella has secured three race wins in Formula One, with standout performances such as his victory at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix. Additionally, he has found success in sportscar events, winning Le Mans 24 Hour class twice and the GT class at Petit Le Mans.

Alberto Ascari was a highly skilled Italian racing driver who achieved great success in both motorcycle and car racing. He won consecutive Formula One World Championships in 1952 and 1953, becoming Ferrari's first World Champion. Ascari's precision and accuracy on the track made him stand out, and his talent was evident in his victories at prestigious races like the Indianapolis 500 and the Mille Miglia. Tragically, his career was cut short when he died during a test session for Ferrari in 1955.

Andrea de Cesaris was an Italian racing driver known for his participation in 208 Formula One Grands Prix without achieving a victory, a record he held until 2024. He was recognized for his speed but also for being a somewhat unpredictable driver due to early career accidents. After his Formula One career, de Cesaris competed in the Grand Prix Masters series for retired drivers. Tragically, he passed away in 2014 following a motorcycle accident on Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare motorway.

Tazio Nuvolari was an Italian racing driver known for his prowess in motorcycles, sports cars, and Grand Prix racing. His impressive career included 72 major race victories, with notable wins in 24 Grands Prix, five Coppa Cianos, two Mille Miglias, and more. He was nicknamed "the Flying Mantuan" and "Cloud" for his exceptional driving skills. Nuvolari's talent was recognized by Ferdinand Porsche, who hailed him as "the greatest driver of the past, the present, and the future."

Giuseppe Farina was a prominent Italian racing driver who achieved significant success in his career. He was a three-time Italian National Champion in the late 1930s, showcasing his skill and dominance in racing. In 1950, he made history by becoming the first-ever World Drivers' Champion during Formula One's inaugural season. Farina's accomplishments on the track solidified his legacy as a talented and accomplished driver, leaving a lasting impact on the world of motorsports.

Elio de Angelis had a successful career as an Italian racing driver in Formula One from 1979 to 1986. He raced for the Shadow, Lotus, and Brabham teams during this time. Known for his competitive spirit and popularity, de Angelis was considered a distinguished figure in the Formula One community during the 1980s. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1986 when he lost his life in a testing accident at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. He is often remembered as Formula One's "last gentleman player."

Maria Teresa de Filippis was a pioneering Italian racing driver who made history as the first woman to compete in Formula One. Despite a brief career in the World Championship Grands Prix, she left a lasting impact on the sport. While she did not score any championship points in Formula One, she achieved success in other racing series, winning races and showcasing her skill behind the wheel. Maria Teresa de Filippis is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in motorsport.

Vitantonio "Tonio" Liuzzi is an Italian professional racing driver known for his time in Formula One with teams such as Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India, and HRT. He made his Formula One debut in 2005 with Red Bull Racing and later moved to Toro Rosso. Liuzzi showcased his skills as a consistent driver, securing points finishes during his career. Despite facing challenges with team changes, he continued to compete at a high level, contributing to the competitive nature of Formula One racing.

Simona de Silvestro is a renowned racing driver known for her impressive career in motorsports. She has competed in various prestigious championships, such as the FIA Formula E Championship and the IndyCar Series. With a nickname like the "Iron Maiden" and "Swiss Miss," she has established herself as a fierce and talented driver on the track. Currently employed by Porsche as a factory driver, she continues to showcase her skills and passion for racing at the highest levels of the sport.

Vittoria "Vicky" Piria is a talented Italian-British racing driver known for her impressive career in motorsports. She has competed in various prestigious racing championships, including Formula Renault Eurocup, W Series, and Italian GT. With her passion for racing and dedication to her craft, Vicky has showcased her skills on the track, earning recognition for her speed and determination. Her journey in the racing world continues to inspire fans and aspiring drivers alike as she continues to make her mark in the competitive world of motorsports.

Riccardo Patrese is an Italian former racing driver known for his extensive career in Formula One. He achieved numerous milestones in the sport, including being the first driver to reach 200 and 250 Grand Prix starts. Patrese held the record for the most Formula One Grand Prix starts for 19 years. He was a top contender in various seasons, finishing as the runner-up in the 1992 World Championship. Patrese also found success in the World Sportscar Championship, securing multiple wins for the Lancia factory team.

Luca Badoer is an Italian former racing driver with an extensive career in Formula One. He competed for teams like Scuderia Italia, Minardi, Forti, and Ferrari. Badoer also served as a test and reserve driver for Ferrari from 1998 to 2010. He made a notable comeback in 2009, replacing an injured Felipe Massa for two races. Badoer holds the record for the most Grand Prix starts and race laps completed without scoring a point, showcasing his perseverance and skill in the sport.

Lella Lombardi was an Italian racing driver who made her mark in Formula One by participating in 17 World Championship Grands Prix. She was one of only two female drivers to qualify for Formula One and the sole female driver to score points in the competition. Lombardi's journey in racing began with karting and progressed through Formula Monza and Formula Three before reaching the pinnacle of motorsport. She achieved a significant milestone by winning half a point in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix and also competed successfully in sports car racing. Lombardi's legacy continues to inspire and influence the presence of women in motorsports.

Gabriele Tarquini is an accomplished racing driver with a successful career in touring car championships. He has competed in various series such as the British Touring Car Championship, Italian Superturismo Championship, World Touring Car Championship, and WTCR. Tarquini has driven for teams like Alfa Romeo, Honda, SEAT, and Lada, achieving multiple victories and podium finishes throughout his career. Known for his skill and competitiveness, Tarquini has earned accolades and recognition as one of the greatest touring car drivers, culminating in multiple championship titles before retiring in 2021.

Luigi Villoresi was a prominent Italian racing driver who made a significant impact in the early days of Formula One. He competed at the inception of the sport, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination on the racetrack. Villoresi's talent and passion for racing earned him recognition as a formidable competitor among his peers. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motorsports.

Ross Cheever is a retired American race car driver who achieved success in Japan, winning the Japanese Formula Three championship in 1987 and competing in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship for eight years. He also had stints in British Formula 3 and Formula Atlantic, with notable wins in New Zealand. Cheever made appearances in various racing series, including the American Racing Series and Indy Car, before becoming a test driver for his brother's team in the Indy Racing League.

Stefano Modena, an Italian racing driver, competed in 81 Formula One Grands Prix starting from November 1987. Throughout his career, he earned 2 podium finishes and accumulated a total of 17 championship points. Modena's time in Formula One showcased his skill and determination on the track, establishing him as a respected figure in the motorsport world. His achievements and contributions to the sport left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy among fans and fellow drivers alike.

Alfonso Thiele was a racing driver with dual citizenship in the United States and Italy, primarily based in Italy. He took part in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix in 1960 but did not score any championship points. Thiele focused mainly on sports car racing throughout his career, demonstrating his skills and passion for the sport. His dedication and experience in the racing world contributed to his reputation as a talented and committed driver.

Luigi Chinetti was a prominent Italian-born racecar driver who achieved significant success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Spa 24 Hours race. He also established the North American Racing Team, which operated privateer Ferraris in various racing competitions, including sports car and Formula One events. Chinetti's involvement in motorsports extended beyond driving, as he played a key role in importing Ferrari automobiles to the United States, further solidifying his legacy in the racing world.

Jorge Bagration of Mukhrani was a Spanish racing car driver who also claimed the headship of the Bagrationi dynasty and the historical throne of Georgia. He had a successful career in racing, showcasing his skills and passion for the sport. Bagration of Mukhrani's professional life was marked by his dedication to racing and his pursuit of his royal lineage claim. Through his racing endeavors, he left a lasting impact on the motorsport world while also maintaining his connection to his Georgian heritage.

Raffaele "Ralph" DePalma was a highly successful American racing driver known for his impressive career spanning nearly three decades. He achieved significant victories, including winning the prestigious 1915 Indianapolis 500. DePalma's remarkable achievements included numerous national championships in dirt track racing and American Championship car races. He also excelled internationally, winning the Canadian national championship in 1929. DePalma's professional accomplishments were further highlighted by his substantial earnings and induction into multiple halls of fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished drivers in motorsports history.