Obituary: Jochen Mass, 78, Iconic F1 and Le Mans Racer
Jochen Mass, the acclaimed German motorsport driver, has passed away at the age of 78 due to complications from a stroke, his family announced. The former Formula 1 competitor died in Cannes, France.
Mass’s F1 career spanned from 1973 to 1982, during which he participated in 105 Grands Prix. He achieved notable success with McLaren, clinching his sole victory at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. This race was historically significant not only for Mass’s victory but also for marking Lella Lombardi’s achievement as the first woman to score a point in the championship.
Transitioning from F1, Mass shifted his focus to endurance racing, ultimately achieving a career-defining victory at the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Sauber-Mercedes team.
Following his retirement from competitive racing, Mass contributed to the sport as a driver of historic vehicles for the Mercedes-Benz museum and served as a commentator for RTL’s F1 broadcasts. He also made a cameo appearance in Ron Howard’s 2013 film, "Rush."
Mass’s legacy in motorsport is marked by his versatility and notable achievements, influencing future generations of drivers and motorsport enthusiasts.
