Grief for Jochen Mass: Formula 1 legend dies at the age of 78!

Grief for Jochen Mass: Formula 1 legend dies at the age of 78!

Cannes, Frankreich - Jochen Mass, a former German Formula 1 driver and double LE Mans winner, died at the age of 78. Death was confirmed by his family on May 4, 2025 to the German Press Agency. Mass died in Cannes, France, from the consequences of a stroke that he had suffered in February 2023. On social media, his family thanked him for the support and announced that Mass leaves his wife Bettina and two daughters.

Mass was born on September 30, 1946 in Dorfen near Munich and began his motorsport career in the late 1960s in touring car sports. He made his debut in Formula 1 in 1973 for the Surtees team. During his career, he played 105 races in Formula 1, scoring eight podium ratings and a total of 71 World Cup points. His only Grand Prix victory took place on April 27, 1975 at the Grand Prix of Spain in Barcelona.

a dramatic victory

The victory of Mass in Barcelona was overshadowed by a tragic accident, in which Rolf Stommelen came off the route with his vehicle and raced into the crowd, which resulted in several fatalities. Mass, which drove for the British Team McLaren from 1975 to 1977, recorded a total of eight podium splashes in his Formula 1 career. In 1982 he competed for the last time in the premier class of motorsport.

The former racer successfully continued his career in long -distance sports. In 1989 he won the 24 hours of Le Mans in a clean mercedes together with Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens. Mass was also co-commentator at RTL from 1993 to 1997, where he commented on numerous Formula 1 races.

a life for motorsport

After his active career, Mass remained closely connected to Formula 1. As a TV expert and advisor, he advised many drivers, including Michael Schumacher in 1996, to switch to Ferrari instead of a superior Williams team. Mass was also involved in historical racing and worked as a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.

The Formula 1 community mourns the loss of a talented driver and a great person whose influence on sport was undeniable. On the statistics side of Formula 1, his legacy is also documented forever, while the fans and colleagues remember the many impressive moments that he created in his career. Mass is not only remembered by its performance, but also through his tireless efforts for motorsport.

The meaning of Jochen Mass will always live on the memories of the fans and in the history books of Formula 1. FAZ.net reports that he has an impressive career that is used for many, while formel1.de reports that Mass leaves a lasting impression in motorsport.

For a more comprehensive overview of the statistics in Formula 1 and the remarkable performance of the drivers, the information on wikipedia mentioned, which document the development and highlights of the sport.