Ex-Formula 1 star Hans Herrmann has died aged 97, with his former team, Mercedes, paying an emotional tribute.
The racing icon helped earn Porsche their first overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is considered one of the most successful drivers of his era. In addition to the 1970 edition of the French endurance classic, Herrmann won races such as the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, racking up more than 80 overall and class victories.
Mercedes said: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Hans Herrmann. Hans raced for @MercedesBenz in F1 during 1954 and 1955, enjoying a glittering and varied motorsport career with wins at Le Mans and the Targa FlorioForever an icon of the Silver Arrows. Rest in peace, Hans.”
“The passing of Hans Herrmann has deeply affected us all,” said Porsche’s Head of Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach “He was one of Porsche AG’s most successful factory racing drivers.
“With the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, Richard Attwood and he made history.”