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Aussie F1 star Brabham dies

May 19, 2014

Three-time Formula One champion Jack Brabham has died at the age of 88. The only driver ever to win in a car of his own construction, the Australian clinched his first title thanks to a somewhat unorthodox finish.

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Australian Formula One legend Jack Brabham attends the launch of the stamps 'Formula One - Legends' in Vienna, Austria, 07 June 2006. Brabham died 88 on 19 May 2014 at his home in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. EPA/GUENTER R. ARTINGER
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Brabham, widely regarded as one of motor sports' most accomplished drivers, died at this Gold Coast home on Monday after a long illness, his family said.

"It's a very sad day for all of us," said Brabham's youngest son David.

"My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind."

Brabham, known as either "Sir Jack" or "Black Jack" to Formula One insiders, won world titles in 1959 and 1960 for the Cooper Racing Team. His third world championship, in 1966, came under the Brabham marque, in a vehicle that he helped design and build.

The former Royal Australian Air Force mechanic began racing midget cars on cinder tracks in Australia, before moving to Britain in 1955 to compete in Formula One.

Push to the finish

The 1959 title, which he famously won by pushing his car to the finishing line in the US Grand Prix at Sebring, made Brabham the first-ever Australian winner of the championship.

"Australia has lost a legend," said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. "With his pioneering spirit, Sir Jack Brabham personified many great Australian characteristics.

"He was respected and admired for his spirit, and for his great skill as an engineer."

In total, Brabham took part in 126 Grands Prix, claiming pole position 13 times and winning 14. He was knighted for his services to motor racing in 1979.

Brabham's sons Geoff, Gary, and David later carved out their own careers in motorsport and the Brabham team name remained a force in Formula One until the early 1990s, run for a time by the sport's future commercial supremo, Bernie Ecclestone.

rc/msh (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)