The author describes the lead-up to the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, highlighting the incredible speeds reached by drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio in his Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Mercedes’ controversial “wind brake” system caused confusion among rivals, and the nationalistic tensions between British driver Mike Hawthorn and German powerhouse Mercedes added another layer of drama. The fateful crash between Lance Macklin’s Austin-Healey and Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes resulted in a devastating explosion that led to the worst tragedy in motorsport history, forever changing the sport. The article delves into the personalities and strategies of the drivers involved, leaving readers to ponder the events that unfolded that day.
https://www.essesmag.com/articles/racings-deadliest-day