Nino Farina takes the final victory of his Formula 1 career

Nino Farina arrived at the Nürburgring as Formula 1’s inaugural world champion but no longer Ferrari’s leading force. When Alberto Ascari’s race was disrupted by a lost wheel, the 46-year-old Farina took control and secured one last Grand Prix victory.

The 1953 German Grand Prix attracted 34 starters, the largest field yet assembled for a World Championship race. Works cars from Ferrari, Maserati, Gordini and Connaught were joined by numerous German private entries for a contest lasting 18 laps of the 22.8-kilometre Nordschleife.

Ascari started from pole and initially appeared ready to continue the dominance that had carried him through 1952 and most of 1953. His race changed when a wheel came loose during the fifth lap. He managed to bring the Ferrari back to the pits on three wheels, but the delay removed him from the fight at the front.

Farina passes both challengers

Mike Hawthorn and Juan Manuel Fangio disputed the lead after Ascari’s trouble, allowing Farina to close. On the eighth lap, the Italian passed both drivers and moved into first place.

Farina remained ahead for the rest of the race. He completed the distance in just over three hours and finished 64 seconds ahead of Fangio. Hawthorn was third in another Ferrari, with Felice Bonetto fourth for Maserati.

At 46 years and 276 days, Farina became one of the oldest drivers to win a World Championship Grand Prix. It was his first victory since the 1950 Italian Grand Prix and his first as a Ferrari driver.

A fifth win completes the record

Farina had won the first World Championship Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1950 and added victories in Switzerland and Italy on his way to the inaugural title. His career after leaving Alfa Romeo for Ferrari produced regular podiums but fewer opportunities to lead the team.

The Nürburgring result took his career total to five victories. He continued racing through 1955 but never won again, making Germany the final appearance of the first Formula 1 world champion on the top step.