1951 Formula One season

The 1951 Formula One season was the second season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1951 World Championship of Drivers, which commenced on May 27, 1951 and ended on October 28 after eight races. The season also included 14 races that were open to Formula One cars but did not count towards the championship standings.

Season summary
Ferrari's newer, unsupercharged 4.5 litre cars offered a real challenge to the Alfas, which were nearing the end of their development potential. Although Alfas won four of the European races, with Fangio taking the championship, Ferrari's three victories spelled the end for the Alfas. BRM made their only championship appearance with the V16 at Silverstone, and the old, slow Talbots were increasingly outclassed.

Points were given to top 5 finishers (8, 6, 4, 3, 2). 1 point was given for fastest lap. Only the best four of eight scores counted towards the world championship. Points for shared drives were divided equally between the drivers, regardless of who had driven more laps.

Season review
The World Championship Grand Prix races were open to FIA Formula One cars however the Indianapolis 500 was restricted to American Championship Cars.

Teams and drivers
The following teams and drivers competed in the 1951 FIA World Championship of Drivers.

1951 World Championship of Drivers final standings

 * Italics indicate fastest lap (1 point awarded)
 * Bold indicates pole position
 * † Position shared between two or more drivers of the same car
 * Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship. Numbers without parentheses are Championship points; numbers in parentheses are total points scored.

Non-Championship race results
Other Formula One races, which did not count towards the World Championship, also held in 1951.