José Froilán González
Argentine · Born 1922-10-05
About José Froilán González
José Froilán González raced under the Argentine flag in Formula 1. Was one of the leading figures of formula 1's first decade, making twenty-eight starts between 1950 and 1960. his record of two wins, fifteen podiums, three pole positions and seventy-eight points was compiled across spells with maserati, talbot-lago, ferrari and vanwall.
After a low-key debut season in 1950, he burst into prominence in 1951, taking his first Grand Prix victory and finishing third in the World Championship with twenty-four points. Two solid Maserati campaigns followed, including sixth in the 1953 standings.
The peak came in 1954 with Ferrari: a win and more than twenty-five points carried him to runner-up in the World Championship, the best classification of his career. Thereafter his appearances grew sparse — occasional drives in 1955, 1956 and 1957 brought a few more points, and after a two-year absence he made a final Ferrari appearance in 1960.
Fifteen podiums from twenty-eight starts represents a podium rate few drivers of any era have matched. González stands with the great Argentine contingent that shaped the championship's early years, a front-runner whenever he raced at full strength.