Chris Amon dies at the age of 73

Chris Amon, the 73-year-old New Zealand driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, passed away this morning. Although he secured five pole positions in Formula 1, he never won a race.

A quiet statement released this morning by his family confirmed the death of Chris Amon, originally from New Zealand, after a long illness. Although his name never appeared at the top of the Formula 1 podium, this veteran of 96 races left an indelible mark on the golden age of the sport, thanks in particular to his teammates and the victories he achieved.

Amon's career resembles a tour of the most prestigious teams in F1: his stints at Ferrari, Brabham, Matra, March, Lotus, and BRM placed him alongside legends such as Jackie Stewart, Mike Hailwood, Jackie Ickx, John Surtees, and Jochen Rindt. Although he never won a Grand Prix, his speed was undeniable: five pole positions and three fastest laps are testament to a driver who could often outpace his rivals in qualifying. His only major victory came in 1966, when he and his teammate won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving his versatility and endurance. After hanging up his racing gloves in 1977, Amon turned his attention to the technical side of the sport, becoming a consultant for Toyota while retaining his fascination for the sport he had helped shape. The loss of Chris Amon is felt not only by those who saw him battle on the racetracks, but also by his many teammates and engineers who respected his talent, professionalism, and unwavering love for Formula 1.