Moss finished second four times in the Formula 1 world championship and three times in third. He died at his home in England on Sunday from complications of a chest infection.
The longest-serving member of the British Racers Driving Club (BDRC), Stirling Moss is survived by his third wife Susie, their son Elliot, and daughter Allison, from an earlier marriage.
Courtesy: Motor Sport Magazine
Known as “Mr. Motor Racing,” Moss, drove in Formula 1 between 1951 and 1961, winning 16 of 66 races. He suddenly retired in 1962 following a crash at Goodwood, England, which left him in a coma for a month and partially paralyzed for six months.
Besides being a driver in the highest form of motorsport, Moss wasn’t a Formula 1 driver only. He was very well known as a pilot in the sportscar discipline, winning another 196 races in his career–including his most popular competition at the Milla Miglia in 1955. In that race, Moss broke the lap record driving around parts of the island of Sicily. He also raced at the 24 Hours of Lemans, finishing second twice in 10 attempts at the famous endurance race.
However, F1 was the event in which he gained worldwide popularity. 1958 was the year that he had the best chance of taking the championship. Although that was the year he became the first Briton to win the British Grand Prix, Moss narrowly lost the championship to fellow countryman Mike Hawthorn. Moss even vouched for Hawthorn when the competition was accused of backing up during the last race of the season. Had Moss not spoken up, Hawthorn might have lost the championship that Moss would have gained.
In retirement, Moss was finished with his racing career, but not with his driving. Until 1981, Moss continued to participate in historic competitions as well as in legends events.
His passing has brought many remembrances from drivers past and present. His former Mercedes teammate, Juan Manuel Fangio–a five-time world F1 champion–said this about Moss back in 1958: “His versatility and competitive instincts made him a formidable competitor in any race.”
Other legends are offering the same praise today. Said Damon Hill, champion in 1996 and son of the legendary Graham Hill: “He launched all the other careers of British racing drivers who went on to become world champions of which he sadly was denied, but I think no one ever regarded him as anything less than one of the greats.”
FIA President Jean Todt: Very sad day. Stirling Moss has left us after a long fight. He was a true legend in motorsport, and he will remain so forever. My thoughts go out to his wife, Susie, his family, his friends.
Mario Andretti regarded Moss “as my hero and such a kind man beloved by everyone. He was a true giant in our sport and will be missed forever. Rest in peace, Racer.”
RIP, indeed.
