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Hans Herrmann, Porsche’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and the last surviving F1 podium finisher from the 1950s has died aged 97.
Hans Herrmann, Porsche’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and the last surviving F1 podium finisher from the 1950s, passed away at the age of 97.
Porsche announced the news on Friday ahead of the Mexico City E-Prix, where a special livery was already in place to honor Herrmann’s remarkable career.
This Formula E race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez kicks off Porsche’s year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary in motorsport, with Herrmann being a key figure in the company’s early history.
The livery showcased the 550 Spyder, a car with which Herrmann secured a class victory at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, Mexico’s renowned road competition.
Although primarily known for his success in sports cars for Porsche, Herrmann also competed in Formula 1, participating in 18 races, notably driving for Mercedes.
After the passing of Tony Brooks in 2022, Herrmann held the distinction of being the final surviving F1 podium finisher from the 1950s, securing third place in the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix with the Silver Arrows.
While his last F1 appearance was at the 1969 German Grand Prix, he was withdrawn from the race due to anticipated suspension or steering issues.
