Smart success
Collins debuted in motorsports aged 17, after his parents bought him a Cooper. The turning point came when he met John Wyer, victorious team principal of Aston Martin. Peter managed to secure a test drive. During this drive, he struck double luck, as the HWM Formula 2 team happened to be there as well. By the end of the day, Collins had two contracts in his pocket. His F2 career proved to be positive, though not exactly glorious. In sports cars, however, Peter triumphed. For two consecutive years, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his class driving a DB3S. He also claimed victory in prestigious events with Vanwall, Maserati, and Mercedes. The pinnacle of motorsport, however, yielded no results; after four seasons, his only highlight was a single win in a non-championship race.
The gentleman act
Still, the results convinced the biggest name: Ferrari. Starting 1956, Collins finished second and won in Belgium and France. This lead him to the top of the standings. Off the track, Peter was held in high regard by Enzo Ferrari. His son Dino had passed away during the year, and Collins, who had adapted to the Italian lifestyle, was regarded as a family member. At the 1956 Italian GRAND PRIX, a victory could seal the title. Following Juan Manuel Fangio’s breakdown, this possibility became a reality for Peter. Then came the unexpected gesture: Fangio was the scarlet outfit’s number one driver, and Collins handed over his car to him. This was permitted under the regulations at the time, and points would be shared equally. The Argentine finished P2 and clinched his fourth title. Almost moved to tears, he praised Collins’ sportsmanship, and the Briton remarked that he had many more chances ahead of him, as he was only 24 years old.
Thank you
In 1957, internal rivalry began to emerge. New signing Mike Hawthorn became close friends with Peter, who had since got married too. The British drivers struck a deal to share their winnings. Teammate Luigi Musso was not part of the arrangement. Hawthorn played an even greater role in securing Collins’ place in the team. His position had been seriously in doubt after Ferrari had strongly criticised his Playboy lifestyle. The duel between the trio, though competitive, came to an end in 1958. Musso passed away in a racing accident in France after flying into a tree. Peter succeeded at the next race in Great Britain, but Ferrari faced another tragedy. Collins lost control of his car on Sunday and flew into a tree, barely a month after Musso’s fate. He died from severe head injuries later that afternoon. Finally, at the end of the year, Hawthorn won the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and retired, emotionally devastated. He lost his life three months later in a road accident.
Peter Collins' unique gesture stands out in fierce, but human FORMULA 1 racing.
