Teo Fabi, an Italian Formula One driver, holds the curious distinction of having achieved three pole positions without ever leading a lap in a Grand Prix. His career in F1, though marked by flashes of brilliance, was often hindered by unreliable machinery and challenging circumstances.
Fabi debuted in Formula One in 1982 with the Toleman team, driving the Candy-sponsored TG181C powered by a Hart turbo engine. Toleman, a team struggling for competitiveness, placed immense pressure on Fabi from the outset.
His entry into F1 coincided with the infamous drivers’ strike at the South African Grand Prix, where he was the only driver to break ranks, a decision driven by team manager Alex Hawkridge.
Despite Toleman’s efforts, the car was far from competitive, and Fabi only managed to qualify for six out of 14 races that season. His best performance came at the San Marino Grand Prix, where, in a field of just 14 cars due to the FISA–FOCA war, he finished seventh, albeit eight laps down. By season’s end, Fabi exited F1, facing limited opportunities in a challenging debut season.
In 1984, after a stint in IndyCar rekindled interest in his skills, Fabi returned to Formula One with Brabham, partnering reigning World Champion Nelson Piquet. Driving the BMW-powered BT53, his season was a mixed bag due to competing simultaneously in the CART series.
This dual commitment impacted his performances in both series, and mid-season, Fabi chose to focus solely on Formula One. Despite showing promise, including running second at the Italian Grand Prix before retiring with engine failure, his season was marred by reliability issues.
However, he achieved a career-first podium with a third-place finish at the Detroit Grand Prix, concluding the year 12th in the standings.
Fabi was back with Toleman this year, now having Benetton behind him. The season started quite late for the team because of supply problems with tires.
The uncompetitive TG185 became a little overshadowed when Fabi came up with the only pole position for Toleman in German Grand Prix. The start ruined his race due to slipping clutch and no points came to the team in that year.
In 1986, Toleman moved over completely to Benetton Formula and brought in better resources and the strong BMW turbo engine. At fast circuits, it was poles for Fabi: he took the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix. Due to the car’s fragility and weak Pirelli tires, however, a fifth was the best he would do in any race at the Spanish Grand Prix.
His last season in 1987 with Benetton saw him paired with Thierry Boutsen. The Ford V6 engine was more reliable of course and Fabi picked up points in five races including a best result of third at the Austrian Grand Prix. It will be remembered though that it was the last race of his career more shaped by tensions with Boutsen in Australia.
From Teo Fabi, 71 Grands Prix were held, recording three poles, two fastest laps, and two podium positions, getting 23 in total for career points. It was a large amount of talent, which was apparent, but remains a compromised tale of potential lost to circumstances and machinery for the story of F1.
