Jochen Mass

Jochen Richard Mass (30 September 1946 - 4 May 2025) was a German racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1973 to 1982, participating in 114 World Championship Grands Prix and achieving one victory at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix for McLaren—though this triumph was forever tainted by tragedy when the race was stopped early after an accident killed four spectators. Mass worked on merchant navy ships after leaving school before starting an apprenticeship at an Alfa Romeo dealership in Mannheim, where his passion for motorsport developed. He won the 1972 European Touring Car Championship along with the series' prestigious Spa 24 Hours race, earning promotion to Formula One. Team Surtees picked him up for three Grands Prix in 1973 before he became a full-time Formula One driver in 1974.

Mass switched to McLaren toward the end of 1974, taking over the Yardley M23 previously driven by Mike Hailwood and David Hobbs. His McLaren teammates affectionately nicknamed him "Hermann the German"—particularly teammate James Hunt. Mass's only Formula One victory came at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuïc Park in Barcelona, but the triumph was overshadowed when Rolf Stommelen's Hill crashed into spectators on lap 26, killing four people and injuring several others, prompting race organizers to stop the race early. During three seasons at McLaren from 1975-1977, Mass claimed seven further podium finishes, coming closest to a second victory at the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix.

He left McLaren at the end of 1977 after his most successful Formula One season, finishing sixth in the drivers' standings with 25 points. After McLaren, Mass had difficult seasons with ATS (1978) and Arrows (1979-1980), never recapturing his earlier form. An accident with Mauro Baldi at the 1982 French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard convinced Mass to stop racing Formula One cars. In 1989, Mass won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Sauber-entered Mercedes-Benz C9, achieving motorsport's most prestigious endurance racing victory and demonstrating his talent extended beyond Formula One.

From 1993 to 1997, Mass served as Formula One co-commentator for German broadcaster RTL, bringing his racing experience to television audiences. He mentored rising German stars including Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Karl Wendlinger, and Michael Schumacher. Mass appeared as himself in Ron Howard's 2013 film "Rush," which depicted the 1976 Formula One season and the Hunt-Lauda rivalry. Mass died in Cannes, France, on May 4, 2025, from complications from a stroke he suffered in February, passing away at age 78.

His 114 Grand Prix starts, one victory, eight podiums, and 71 championship points represented a solid Formula One career, while his Le Mans victory and mentorship of future champions ensured his legacy extended beyond his own racing achievements.