The 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil Hill passed away last night in a California hospital due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Hill still remains the only American-born driver to win the championship, although Italian-born Mario Andretti triumphed 17 years later. He started his Formula One career in a Maserati at the 1958 French Grand Prix, and later moved to Ferrari. Hill also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12-hours of Sebring, both on three occasions. He also took two victories apiece in the 1000km of Buenos Aires and the Nurburgring. Often described as a reserved gentleman and a true professional, Phil Hill will be sadly missed.
MOTOR RACING LEGEND, PHIL HILL, DIES AGED 81
The 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil Hill passed away last night in a California hospital due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Hill still remains the only American-born driver to win the championship, although Italian-born Mario Andretti triumphed 17 years later. He started his Formula One career in a Maserati at the 1958 French Grand Prix, and later moved to Ferrari. Hill also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12-hours of Sebring, both on three occasions. He also took two victories apiece in the 1000km of Buenos Aires and the Nurburgring. Often described as a reserved gentleman and a true professional, Phil Hill will be sadly missed.