Italian · Lanciano, Italy · Born 14 January 1973Italian Formula 1 driver who competed from 1996-2009, achieving 3 Grand Prix victories and 19 podium finishes during his 14-season career.
Giancarlo "Fisico" Fisichella was born on 14 January 1973 in Rome, Italy, growing up in the shadow of the famous Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit, which shaped his early passion for motor racing. He is a member of the noble Fisichella family of Sicily, and progressed through karting before winning the Italian Formula Three championship in 1994 with 11 race victories. Fisichella made his Formula One debut with Minardi in 1996, before spells with Jordan and Benetton, where he drove alongside compatriot Michael Schumacher. He delivered his first Grand Prix win at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, initially awarded to Kimi Räikkönen before a scoring correction handed Fisichella the victory two days later. Fisichella moved to Renault in 2005, contributing to the team's back-to-back Constructors' Championships in 2005 and 2006, and later had a memorable spell with Force India, taking a surprise pole position at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix before a late-career stint with Ferrari, filling in for the injured Felipe Massa. Fisichella retired from Formula One in 2009 with three Grand Prix wins across 14 seasons, and went on to enjoy considerable success in sports car racing, winning his class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in 2012 and 2014, extending his motorsport career well into his forties.
Three F1 race wins and consistent midfield performances
How They Played
Smooth, precise driving style with excellent racecraft
Lasting Impact
Respected Italian driver who maximized limited machinery
Career Honours
- Australian Grand Prix Winner 2003 (Jordan)
- Brazilian Grand Prix Winner 2003 (Jordan)
- Bahrain Grand Prix Winner 2004 (Sauber)
- Turkish Grand Prix Winner 2006 (Renault)
- Malaysian Grand Prix Winner 2006 (Renault)
- Belgian Grand Prix Winner 2009 (Force India)
- Constructors' Championship Runner-up 2001 (Benetton/Renault)
- Formula 3000 Champion 1996
- Italian Formula 3 Champion 1994
- Le Mans 24 Hours Winner 2012 (GTE-Pro class, Ferrari)
- Le Mans 24 Hours Winner 2016 (GTE-Am class, Ferrari)
- FIA GT World Champion 2014 (Ferrari)
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Minardi | 1996 | 8 |
| Jordan | 1997 | 17 |
| Benetton | 1998–2001 | 65 |
| Sauber | 2004 | 18 |
| Renault | 2005–2007 | 52 |
| Force India | 2008–2009 | 29 |
| Ferrari | 2009–2010 | 5 |
| Career Total | — | 194 |
Italian Athletes