Since its inception in 1950, a number of aristocrats have successfully raced in Formula One. Among them was Wolfgang von Trips, who drove for Ferrari and led the 1961 standings behind the wheel of the famous “sharknose” 156. Von Trips was actually set to become Germany’s first F1 world champion when he tragically died at Monza during the penultimate round of the season. After colliding with Jim Clarks’ Lotus, Von Trips’ Ferrari 156 flew off track and crashed, fatally injuring the championship leader as well as 14 spectators.
