Formula 1

The world of racing pays tribute to Sir Stirling Moss

by Valentin Khorounzhiy
8 min read

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Testimonials from British Formula 1 drivers of different generations and Mercedes are among the flock of tributes paid to racing legend Sir Stirling Moss following his death, aged 90.

In a career cut short by a crash at Goodwood in 1962, Moss achieved a startling number of victories across the world of F1 and sportscar racing.

More than 200 wins in cars produced by a wide range of manufacturers made him a true all-rounder, a fierce competition of those of his generation and an inspiration to those that followed.

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram that people should “celebrate his incredible life and the great man he was”, calling Moss “a huge part of British motorsport’s heritage”.

“To be honest, it was such a unusual pairing, our friendship,” Hamilton said.

“Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades.

“I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him.”

 

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Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I think it’s important that we celebrate his incredible life and the great man he was. Saying goodbye is never easy and can be sad but he will always be here, in our memories and will always be such a huge part of British Motorsports Heritage. I certainly will miss our conversations. To be honest, it was such a unusual pairing, our friendship. Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades. I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace🙏🏾

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Williams Formula 1 driver George Russell said he “only had the pleasure of meeting him briefly a couple of times but even that was enough to understand why he was so highly respected”.

Ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle, who was team-mates with Moss in BTCC in 1981, tweeted: “RIP Sir Stirling Moss. A mighty racer and gentleman.

“He had a press on style on the track and in life. Remarkable man.

“Survived the most dangerous era of motorsport and died today aged 90.

“He had such great stories to tell, and it was a privilege to know him.”

IndyCar driver and ex-F1 racer Max Chilton said Moss was a “a fierce racer and most likely the best driver to never win” the F1 title.

“His charm held a room’s attention and it was a pleasure to have known him,” Chilton added.

In a statement, F1’s sporting boss Ross Brawn said: “I got to know Stirling after his motorsport career was finishing and mine was starting. I was proud that I was able to count him as a friend. He exceeded the term legend. His abilities in any sort of racing car were truly exceptional.

“What I admired the most were the qualities of Stirling as a true gentleman. His behaviour towards his fellow racing drivers, and people in racing generally, were an example to us all. He fought as hard as anyone to succeed and win, but he never crossed the boundaries and he always competed in a proper way. He set the standard all competitors should aspire to.

“He was always fun to be with and enjoyed life, with Susie, to the maximum. He drove me around Goodwood several times in a Ferrari SWB in which he won the 1960 TT. Memories that will never leave me. Stirling Moss – a truly special person.”

Moss earned the first of his 16 F1 victories with Mercedes, as well as a sportscar double of the Mille Miglia and RAC Tourist Trophy in 1955.

Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius said: “The Mercedes-Benz family mourns the loss of Sir Stirling Moss. We will miss him as man, but he remains unforgettable as one of the greatest drivers of all time. His victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia made him into a sporting legend. He was both a successful sportsman and a true gentleman. And this is how we will always remember him.”

Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff added: “Sir Stirling was a larger-than-life figure in our sport and one of the survivors of an age when motor racing was about danger, bravery and camaraderie. But most of all, Stirling’s career was characterised by an impeccable sportsmanship and in this he truly set himself apart.

“He was a great figure in the history of Mercedes, both as a Grand Prix driver and the winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia. It is no exaggeration to say that we will never see his like again.

“Our deepest condolences go to his wife Lady Susie, his family and his friends. Godspeed to a true racer.”

Aston Martin, with which Moss won multiple major sportscar races including a class win at the Le Mans 24 Hours on his way to second overall in 1956, tweeted: “We’re very saddened to hear that British motor racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss, has passed away.

“A legend of racing and a true gentleman, he will be deeply missed by all.”

Moss was also the longest-serving member of the British Racing Drivers Club.

In its notice of Moss’s death, the BRDC referenced Lewis Hamilton’s words when, after winning his first F1 title in 2008, Hamilton presented Moss with the honour of ‘vice president for life’: “Not a day has gone by in the last 60 years when you have not worn the club badge on either your lapel, tie or overalls.

“You have been the ultimate ambassador and utterly dedicated and loyal to the BRDC and all that it stands for.”

Further tributes to Sir Stirling Moss

Piero Ferrari, vice president of Ferrari: “Stirling Moss symbolised motor sport. He was a true personality who left an indelible impression on the history of racing. His versatility meant he was able to win in so many different categories, from Formula 1 to sports car endurance races. He also produced incredible performances in road races such as the Mille Miglia, setting a record that was never beaten.

“Despite not winning the Formula 1 World Championship, he is most definitely a legendary figure and he was a fearsome and formidable rival of Ferrari in Formula 1 and many other categories. His and Ferrari’s paths were about to merge when he had the accident at Goodwood in April 1962 that effectively ended his racing career, at least at a high level. At the time, in Maranello we were preparing a 250 SWB for him in British Racing Green, along with a contract to drive for us, but fate decreed otherwise.

“My father said that Stirling reminded him of Tazio Nuvolari, because of his love of racing in any type of car, something which stayed with him right to the very end of his career.”

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