Elio de Angelis

Elio de Angelis (March 26, 1958 - May 15, 1986): An Italian racing driver from Rome, de Angelis was known as Formula One's 'last gentleman player' and was renowned as both a talented pianist and the son of wealthy real estate developer Giulio de Angelis. He competed in Formula One from 1979 to 1986, winning two Grands Prix across eight seasons with Shadow, Lotus, and Brabham. At age 21, he became the youngest Grand Prix podium finisher of all time with second place at the 1980 Brazilian Grand Prix driving for Lotus alongside Mario Andretti. His first victory came at the 1982 Austrian Grand Prix, defeating Keke Rosberg by just 0.

05 seconds, followed by a second win at the 1985 San Marino Grand Prix. De Angelis finished third in the 1984 World Drivers' Championship, his career-best result. In 1985, he was partnered with Ayrton Senna at Lotus but left the team at season's end, frustrated by the team's focus on the young Brazilian. He joined Brabham for 1986 as Nelson Piquet's replacement. Tragically, de Angelis died on May 15, 1986, in Marseille at age 28, following a testing accident at Paul Ricard when his BT55's rear wing detached at high speed, causing the car to cartwheel and catch fire.

His death led to significant safety improvements in Formula One, including mandatory medical facilities at test sessions.