Patrick Depailler

Patrick André Eugène Joseph Depailler (August 9, 1944 - August 1, 1980): A French racing driver from Clermont-Ferrand, central France, Depailler competed in Formula One from 1972 until his death in 1980, achieving two wins, one pole position, four fastest laps, and 19 podiums. He started competing in motorcycles under the supervision of Jean-Pierre Beltoise before switching to four wheels, winning the French F3 Championship in 1971 and the European F2 Championship in 1973. In December 1973, Depailler was chosen to drive for Tyrrell, replacing the deceased François Cevert and the retiring Jackie Stewart. He competed in 95 Grands Prix, jointly holding the record for the most podiums before winning a Grand Prix with 15.

His breakthrough came at the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix, where he finally converted his consistent speed into victory after leading 38 of 75 laps to win ahead of Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter. His second and final victory came at the 1979 Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama while driving for Ligier, where he dominated proceedings. Leading the World Championship by mid-1979, Depailler's season was derailed in June when he severely injured both legs in a hang-gliding accident in the French Alps, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. Despite still recovering from his injuries, Depailler joined the newly formed Alfa Romeo team for 1980 alongside Bruno Giacomelli.

Tragically, on August 1, 1980, just days before his 36th birthday, Depailler was killed during a private testing session at Hockenheim. A suspension failure on his Alfa Romeo 179 pitched the car into the Armco barrier at the high-speed Ostkurve. The vehicle overturned and he sustained fatal head injuries. Known for his speed, bravery, and popular personality within the paddock, Depailler's death shocked the Formula One community.

He remains one of France's most talented drivers, remembered for his consistent performances with Tyrrell and his tragic early death that cut short what promised to be a championship-winning career.