Nigel Mansell

Born: August 8, 1953  |  Birthplace: Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire  |  Famous For: F1 and IndyCar World Champion — ‘Il Leone’

The Mustache Leo

Nigel Mansell won the Formula 1 World Championship in 1992 with nine victories and then won the IndyCar Championship in his first season in 1993 — the only driver to hold both titles simultaneously. The Italian tifosi called him ‘Il Leone’ (The Lion) for his aggressive, never-surrender driving style. He wore his helmet like a crown.

Leo Legacy

• 1992 F1 Championship: Won with 9 victories — demolished the opposition
• 1993 IndyCar Champion: Only driver to win F1 and IndyCar championships consecutively
• Il Leone: Named ‘The Lion’ by Ferrari fans for his all-or-nothing racing
• 31 F1 wins: Among the top ten most successful F1 drivers of all time

Mansell’s Leo recklessness was actually precision — he found the limit and drove just over it.

“I have never been satisfied with second place in my life.”