P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The story of Ted Toleman, the petrol-headed businessman turned Senna’s first F1 team boss, powerboat racer, Le Mans entrant and Dakar Rally competitor who has passed away aged 86
Ted Toleman, the petrol-headed businessman and former F1 team boss, passed away at the age of 86. In the 1980s, he sponsored South African racer Rad Dougall in Formula Ford, where he met future F1 designer Rory Byrne. Toleman quickly outgrew his role as a sponsor and formed his own successful team, moving into Formula 2 with drivers like Brian Henton. He transitioned into Formula 1, eventually leading the team to success with drivers like Derek Warwick and Ayrton Senna. Toleman’s team evolved into the Benetton and Renault teams that achieved world title glory with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Ted Toleman, who had a diverse career in motorsports and beyond, passed away due to complications from cardiorenal syndrome, leaving behind his wife and son.
