Nasif Moisés Estéfano (18 November 1932 – 21 October 1973) was a racing driver from Argentina of Lebanese ancestry. He participated in two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 7 February 1960, but scored no championship points.
Early Life and Background
Estéfano was born in Concepción, Tucumán, Argentina. He was a friend of Alejandro de Tomaso, which helped him gain opportunities to race in Europe.
Racing Career
Estéfano began his racing career in Turismo Carretera, a popular Argentine touring car category. He later won the Argentine national single-seater championship, the Mecánica Nacional Fórmula Uno title, in 1963 and 1964. He also won the Argentine Formula 3 Championship in 1965 and 1966.
Formula One
Estéfano entered two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix:
- 1960 Argentine Grand Prix – Driving a privateer Maserati, he started the race and finished 14th.
- 1962 Italian Grand Prix – Driving a De Tomaso, he failed to qualify.
Over his Formula One career, he had 2 entries (1 race start), with a best grid position of 20th and a best finish of 14th. He scored no championship points, podiums, wins, pole positions, or fastest laps.
Death
Estéfano died on 21 October 1973 at the age of 40 while driving in a local race in Aimogasta, La Rioja, Argentina. His car suffered a mechanical failure on a fast curve, causing the vehicle to somersault multiple times. Estéfano was ejected from the car due to a fault with the safety belts and was killed almost instantly from head injuries.
Complete Formula One World Championship Results
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | WDC | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Nasif Estéfano | Maserati 250F | Maserati Straight-6 | ARG 14 |
MON | 500 | NED | BEL | FRA | GBR | POR | ITA | NC | 0 |
| 1962 | Scuderia De Tomaso | De Tomaso F1 | De Tomaso Flat-4 | NED | FRA | GBR | GER | ITA DNQ |
USA | RSA | NC | 0 |
Key: NC = Not classified; DNQ = Did not qualify.
