Remembering the greatest Ferrari race car drivers

Ferrari has become synonymous with the word elite in Formula 1. And only elite drivers get to sit behind the wheels of one of the most successful cars in Formula 1. For Eugene Bernshtam, real estate professional and car collector, the unparalleled skills of Ferrari racers have contributed largely to this success. Here are some of the greatest.

Juan Manuel Fangio

In the Formula 1 website, Juan Manuel’s profile reads: Many consider him to be the greatest driver of all time. He only had one championship with Ferrari, and that was in 1956. But his overall performance in Formula 1 covers 5 world championships (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, & 1957). He held this record for 45 years, until Michael Schumacher surpassed it in 2003.

Nikki Lauda

The years 1974 to 1977 were the peak of his career - 15 victories and double world championships in 1975 & 1977. Nikki was already on course to win a second title in the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürbürgring when he was involved in an accident, and his car caught fire. His friendship & Formula 1 rivalry with British racer James Hunt was the subject of the 2013 biographical sports film Rush, directed by Ron Howard.

Michael Schumacher

One looks at Michael Schumacher with the same reverence as to a Ferrari. Schumacher remains as the most successful of Ferrari racers - having a record of five successive titles between 2000 and 2004 - apart from his 2 previous titles outside of it in 1994 & 1995, making it 7 in total. He has been to philanthropic activities as an ambassador for UNESCO, and has donated millions to charity. In December of 2013, Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a skiing incident. He continues to be rehabilitated.

Aside from his work in real estate, Eugene Bernshtam is also a member of the Ferrari Club of America (FCA) and is the secretary of state for the Lamborghini Club of America in Illinois. Eugene has won many awards from participating in judged classic automotive concourses all over the country. He also shows his support for several Chicago aldermen by attending fundraisers. His other hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, & weightlifting. To know more about Eugene, try visiting this website.