Giorgio Scarlatti

Giorgio Scarlatti (2 October 1921 - 26 July 1990): Italian racing driver from Novellara, Emilia-Romagna, who competed in Formula One from 1956 to 1962. Participated in 15 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 13 May 1956 at the Monaco Grand Prix. Made his Formula One debut as a privateer entry driving an aging Ferrari 500, competing against more modern machinery with limited resources typical of Italian privateer racers. Scored his only World Championship point when Harry Schell took over his Maserati 250F during the 1957 Italian Grand Prix at Monza and finished fifth, with the point being credited to Scarlatti as the car's original driver under the regulations of the time.

Continued competing sporadically in Formula One through 1962, driving various privateer entries including Maserati and Cooper machinery. Recorded his final Formula One World Championship start at the 1962 French Grand Prix at Rouen-Les-Essarts, driving a De Tomaso-OSCA for Scuderia Serenissima, retiring from the race. More successful in sports car racing than Formula One, achieving notable results in endurance events and Italian national sports car championships. Finished second at the prestigious Targa Florio in 1958 together with Jean Behra, driving a Porsche 718 in the grueling Sicilian road race, demonstrating his endurance racing capabilities.

Competed regularly in Italian national hillclimb championships, a discipline requiring exceptional car control and bravery on dangerous mountain roads. His Formula One career represented the typical path of Italian privateer racers during the 1950s and early 1960s, competing when finances and opportunities allowed rather than as full-time professional drivers. Retired from active competition in the early 1960s, returning to business interests in northern Italy. Passed away on 26 July 1990 at age 68.

Though his single World Championship point came through unusual circumstances, Scarlatti was part of the generation of Italian privateer racers who kept the national motorsport tradition alive during Formula One's formative decades.