Mercedes Pays Tribute To Legendary Former F1 Driver Hans Herrmann After Death

"An outstanding driver"

A Targa Florio winner in 1960 and triumphs in the Daytona 24 Hours and Le Mans 24 Hours only underpinned Herrmann's legacy, and having worked as a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Heritage, he regularly returned to the cockpit at events.

“It is with great gratitude that we remember Hans Herrmann, an outstanding racing driver who had a decisive influence on the history of Mercedes-Benz”, Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH.

“As part of the legendary Silver Arrows racing team in the mid-1950s, he impressed with his speed and mastery in races. “His likable charisma and his passion for motorsport made him very popular with fans and fellow drivers alike

“After his active career, Hans Herrmann remained closely associated with our brand as a representative of Mercedes-Benz Heritage and helped to preserve the heritage of our vehicles.”

Herrmann was the last surviving F1 podium finisher from the 1950s - the first decade of the championship - and his win at the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours made him the first overall winner of the great French race for Porsche alongside Richard Attwood.

Known as "Hans in Luck" for his ability to survive a number of serious accidents during an age where safety was a far cry from what it is now, Herrmann lost his best chance to challenge for the F1 title in 1955 after sustaining significant injuries at the Monaco Grand Prix, ruling him out for the season.

Teammate Juan Manuel Fangio would finish the season as champion before Mercedes' withdrawal from racing.

The news was announced by Porsche ahead of the Formula E Mexico City E-Prix at the Autodromo Hermanoz Rodriguez, where the works team had already unveiled a special livery paying homage to Herrmann at the start of its 75-year motorsport anniversary.