Best 5 results counted towards championship
First World Championship race for Lancia
First win for Mercedes-Benz since 1939
Juan Manuel Fangio won 6 of 9 races
Lancia debuted D50 late in season
Mercedes-Benz returned to Formula One
No Indianapolis 500 points for European drivers
Points awarded to top 5 finishers plus fastest lap
Fangio switched from Maserati to Mercedes mid-season
Alberto Ascari missed several races due to Lancia's late entry