A salute to F1's original Marlboro Man

Arturo Merzario - Formula 1's very own Stetson-wearing Marlboro Man - was born on this day, 81 years ago.

A veteran of 57 Grand Prix starts between 1972 and 1979, the Italian journeyman was a colorful presence in the F1 paddock who raced for Ferrari, Iso Marlboro, Williams and his own team, Merzario.

Up until this weekend and Ollie Bearman's unexpected F1 debut in Saudi Arabia, Arturo had been the only driver to start his first Grand Prix with Ferrari.

His best results in F1 were a trio of fourth-place finishes but his greatest achievement was perhaps lending a saving hand to the attempts to free Niki Lauda from his burning Ferrari following the Austrian's horrific crash at the Nurburgring in 1976.