Sterling Moss
Sir Stirling Moss (1929–2020) was one of the greatest and most respected racing drivers in the history of motorsport. Often referred to as “the greatest driver never to win the World Championship,” Moss’s career in Formula 1 and other forms of racing spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. His legacy is marked by his incredible versatility, sportsmanship, and numerous victories across various disciplines of motorsport.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Stirling Moss was born in London on September 17, 1929, to a family with a strong motorsport background. His father, Alfred Moss, had competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 1924, and his mother was also an accomplished driver. Moss began racing at a young age, initially in horseback riding competitions before shifting his focus to cars.
Moss’s early racing career took off in the late 1940s, and he quickly established himself as a rising star by winning a series of races in smaller categories. He made his Formula 1 debut in 1951 with HWM (Hersham and Walton Motors) before moving to more prominent teams such as Maserati and Mercedes-Benz.
Formula 1 Career
Although Stirling Moss never won a Formula 1 World Championship, he finished runner-up in the championship four times (1955, 1956, 1957, and 1958) and third place three times (1959, 1960, and 1961). Moss was known for his exceptional driving skills, adaptability, and ability to race in a variety of conditions. His greatest rival during much of his career was Juan Manuel Fangio, the legendary five-time world champion, with whom Moss shared a close friendship and professional rivalry.
Moss’s most notable victories came during his time with Mercedes-Benz in 1955, where he partnered with Fangio. That year, he achieved a famous victory at the British Grand Prix at Aintree, becoming the first British driver to win his home Grand Prix.
Despite never clinching the world title, Moss’s driving talent was widely regarded as being equal to or better than many of his championship-winning contemporaries. He was frequently a victim of mechanical issues or bad luck, but his commitment to sportsmanship also defined his career. In 1958, Moss famously defended his rival, Mike Hawthorn, during an appeal that ultimately helped Hawthorn win the World Championship that year—a title Moss narrowly lost.
Beyond Formula 1: Versatility and Success
Stirling Moss was not just a Formula 1 driver. He competed and won in many other forms of motorsport, including endurance races, rallying, and touring cars. His adaptability across different types of cars and races set him apart from other drivers of his era.
Mille Miglia (1955): Moss’s most famous non-F1 victory came at the 1955 Mille Miglia, a grueling 1,000-mile road race through Italy. Driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with journalist Denis Jenkinson as his co-driver, Moss completed the race in a record time of 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds, a record that remains unbeaten. This is considered one of the greatest drives in motorsport history.
24 Hours of Le Mans: Moss competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race several times, though he never won. He came close to victory but was often hampered by mechanical failures.
Tourist Trophy: Moss won the prestigious Tourist Trophy seven times during his career, further highlighting his versatility across various race formats and cars.
Sportsmanship and Legacy
Moss was known for his gentlemanly conduct on and off the track. One of the most famous examples of his sportsmanship occurred in the 1958 Portuguese Grand Prix when he defended Mike Hawthorn against a penalty that could have cost Hawthorn the championship. This act of fairness allowed Hawthorn to become the first British world champion, while Moss finished second in the standings.
His career was tragically cut short in 1962 after a horrific crash at Goodwood, which left him in a coma for a month and partially paralyzed for six months. While Moss made a recovery, he decided to retire from professional racing in 1962 after determining that he could no longer compete at the highest level.
Life After Racing
After retiring from professional racing, Moss remained active in the motorsport community. He became a commentator, writer, and ambassador for the sport, and continued to participate in historic racing events well into his later years. Moss was knighted in 2000 for his services to motor racing, becoming Sir Stirling Moss.
Death and Legacy
Stirling Moss passed away on April 12, 2020, at the age of 90. His death marked the end of an era for motorsport. Widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile drivers in the history of racing, Moss’s legacy lives on in the hearts of motorsport fans worldwide. His name is synonymous with fair play, exceptional driving skill, and the passion for racing that transcends titles and statistics.
Even though he never won a Formula 1 World Championship, Moss’s contributions to motorsport, his competitive spirit, and his sportsmanship continue to inspire future generations of drivers and racing enthusiasts alike.
