The opening race of the 1956 Formula One season, won by Fangio after a series of mechanical failures eliminated the early leaders.
Key Facts
- Date
- 22 January 1956
- Race number in season
- Race 1 of 8
- Winner
- Juan Manuel Fangio (Ferrari)
- Pole position advantage
- Fangio's pole time 2.2 seconds faster than second
- Car nationalities on grid
- All Italian (Ferrari and Maserati)
- Protest outcome
- Rejected by stewards and FIA
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Mercedes' withdrawal from Formula One, the 1956 season opened with reshuffled driver lineups. Fangio joined Ferrari and Moss led Maserati. The Argentine Grand Prix field comprised entirely Italian machinery, with Ferrari and Maserati each fielding five cars alongside three additional private or works Maseratis.
Maserati initially dominated the race, with Menditeguy and Moss leading early on while Fangio struggled with a faulty fuel pump and took over Musso's car. Between laps 40 and 43, the frontrunners fell away due to gearbox, driveshaft, and engine failures. Fangio steadily advanced and passed the ailing Moss on lap 67, eventually winning unchallenged after Behra spun late.
Fangio took the opening championship points for Ferrari, though the result was immediately disputed. The Maserati team manager lodged a protest alleging Fangio had been illegally push-started after an earlier spin; both the race stewards and the FIA ultimately rejected the protest, confirming Fangio's victory.