Three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham passed away today morning. He was 88. Known for being a fierce competitor, an amazing engineer and finally a brilliant businessman, Sir Brabham remains the only person in F1 to have secured the championship in his own car.
He was also the first driver to be knighted for services to motorsport. From racing midgets on dirt ovals in Australia to dominating F1, he has been a phenomenon in the global motorsport scenario. A former Royal Australian Air Force mechanic, Brabham became the first Australian to win the F1 Championship in 1959. But it's the way he won it that will be remembered for a long time.
Leading on the final lap of the U.S Grand Prix, Brabham ran out of fuel 100 yards before the finish line. He got out of the car and pushed it to take his car past the chequered flag. Exhausted he fell to his feet after which he was told that he won the championship. He was nicknamed "Black Jack" for his mop of dark hair and taciturn nature.
He claimed his final F1 win at South Africa in 1970 after which he retired. In total, Brabham raced in 126 Grand Prixs, taking pole position 13 times and winning 14 races. After he retired, he sold his team to Bernie Ecclestone, who as it turned out, went on to run the sport.
Sir Jack is survived by his wife, Lady Margaret, sons Geoff, Gary and David and their families.
