Willy Mairesse

Julien "Willy" Mairesse (1 October 1928 - 2 September 1969) was a Belgian racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1960 to 1963 and achieved success in sports car racing. Born in Momignies, Belgium, Mairesse made 12 Formula One World Championship starts, driving primarily for Ferrari and later Lotus and BRM. His best Formula One result was second place at the 1960 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, driving a Ferrari, which remained his only podium finish. Mairesse scored a total of 7 championship points during his Formula One career.

Known for his aggressive, spectacular driving style, Mairesse was extraordinarily quick but also prone to accidents and erratic behavior. He suffered a serious crash during practice for the 1962 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring that left him with severe head injuries, ending his Formula One career. The accident changed his personality, reportedly making him more volatile and difficult, effects attributed to the head trauma. Beyond Formula One, Mairesse was highly successful in sports car racing, competing for Ferrari in the World Sportscar Championship.

He won the 1960 Targa Florio in Sicily, sharing a Ferrari with Phil Hill, and achieved numerous other victories and podiums in endurance racing throughout the early 1960s. He competed at Le Mans multiple times, achieving class victories and top finishes. Mairesse's partnership with Ferrari included both prototype racing and GT competition, where his fearless driving style was particularly effective. After his racing career ended due to his injuries, Mairesse struggled with the aftermath of his accident and the loss of his racing career.

Tragically, he died by suicide in September 1969 at the age of 40 in Ostend, Belgium. His death highlighted the often-overlooked psychological toll of racing accidents and the challenges faced by drivers forced to retire due to injury. Mairesse is remembered as an exceptionally talented but troubled driver whose career was cut short by the inherent dangers of 1960s motorsport.