$20,000 Salary Demand Made Ferrari Throw Juan Manuel Fangio Out of Their Office

Juan Manuel Fangio is one of the biggest legends in F1 history, having won five world championships during the sport’s early days. The thought of a team rejecting him for basic salary demands today seems unfathomable. But back in the day, drivers didn’t race for the glamour and money, which teams themselves didn’t consider a necessity.

F1 teams today spend a huge amount of money to keep their stars in the team. During Fangio’s era, however, asking for a salary increment could get one thrown out of the owner’s office. The Argentina, who was an employee of Mercedes-Benz, reportedly went to Enzo Ferrari, the Scuderia’s founder, and owner, to ask for a $20,000 salary move ahead of the 1956 F1 season as reported by Business F1.

Ferrari, who was very proud of himself and his team, vehemently rejected Fangio’s request. He was thrown out of Enzo Ferrari’s office, for even daring to ask for a salary. He considered it an ‘honor’ for any driver to get a chance at the fabled outfit, and Fangio’s demand was not met.

Juan Manuel Fangio won with Ferrari despite their fractured relationship

Fangio, who rightfully considered himself to be one of the world’s best drivers, demanded a $20,000 salary and a bonus in case Ferrari won the title. Initially, Business F1 reports that Ferrari accepted Fangio’s request. Soon, however, things began to turn sour, and Enzo Ferrari rejected any salary proposal.

Fangio did end up signing for Ferrari for the 1956 season, and even though they had a fractured relationship, Fangio went on to create history with them. He won the 1956 world championship, which was his third consecutive title win.

However, Fangio did not stay at the Maranello-based outfit for more than one season, as he returned to Maserati in 1957.

First driver to make a fortune out of F1 with five-figure income

The first driver to earn a figure exceeding $100,000 in F1 was Sir Jackie Stewart. The three-time world champion also became the first driver to earn $1 million in earnings, but that is fractional compared to what the stars of the sport earn today.

Today, the best drivers in F1 get paid tens of millions of dollars, as they help the teams on their road to success. The likes of Fangio raced in an era where the sport was very different. Safety standards, drivers contract, rules and championship regulations were all unrecognizable compared to modern day F1.

Over the years, interest from fans, sponsors and overall increase in investment has increased the glamor and glitz in the sport.