The 1961 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps was a defining race for Scuderia Ferrari, with the team sweeping the podium. Phil Hill took the win in dominant fashion, but Richie Ginther’s performance in third place stood out as a testament to his resilience and skill. Driving the Ferrari 156 “Sharknose,” Ginther had a challenging start but quickly worked his way through the field, battling with strong competitors like Stirling Moss in the Lotus and Graham Hill in the BRM. His consistent pace and composure under pressure allowed him to stay ahead of his rivals, securing a well-deserved third place.
Although he wasn’t in direct contention for the win, Ginther’s performance played a crucial role in Ferrari’s overall success, helping the team lock out the top three spots with Hill and Wolfgang von Trips taking the first and second positions, respectively. The Ferrari 156’s superior handling and V6 engine were key to Ginther’s strong finish, and his drive further solidified Ferrari’s dominance in the 1961 season.