The racing world mourns, as former Formula 1 race victor and Le Mans 24 Hours champion, Jochen Mass, has passed away at the age of 78.
The sad announcement was shared by his family on his Instagram page, a little over a month following their revelation of a “medical emergency” he had been facing.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and an iconic figure in racing,” the family conveyed.
“We are deeply saddened to share that Jochen Mass passed away earlier today due to complications that arose following a stroke he suffered in February of this year.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone for the overwhelming support we have received. Each and every message filled with positivity was conveyed to him, offering him solace and comfort during his final days.
“While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the incredible journey he lived. A journey that he cherished sharing with all of you. A life lived to its absolute fullest.
“May he find himself racing once more, reunited with his friends.”
Mass’s singular moment of glory in his nine-season, 105-start F1 career came at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Montjuic Park street circuit in Barcelona.
He had skillfully overtaken Jacky Ickx’s Lotus to reclaim the lead in his McLaren-Cosworth M23, just before the race was halted due to a tragic accident. The accident saw four lives lost – a spectator, a track marshal, and two photographers – after Rolf Stommelen’s Hill car crashed through the barriers following a rear wing failure.
Due to the race being stopped before the completion of 60% of its intended distance, only half points were awarded to the competitors.
Jochen Mass, McLaren M23-Cosworth
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Mass added seven more podium finishes to his name during his career, all achieved during his time with McLaren, a partnership that began in 1974 and lasted until the end of 1977.
His most remarkable achievements, however, came in the realm of sportscar racing, initially with Porsche, a collaboration that commenced in ’76, and later with the Sauber-Mercedes team.
A key member of Porsche’s factory team from the inception of the Group C era in 1982, he secured nine victories in the world sportscar championship races driving the German manufacturer’s renowned 956/962 model before transitioning to Sauber in 1988.
Mass continued his success, claiming an additional 10 world series victories at the helm of the Sauber C9 and the team’s Mercedes-branded C11 in the years 1988-90. Furthermore, he emerged victorious at Le Mans in 1989, sharing the triumph with Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens.
He achieved second place in the ’89 points standings, trailing his regular team-mate Jean-Louis Schlesser in what was then known as the World Sports-Prototype Championship, after being compelled to withdraw from the opening round at Suzuka due to a virus that impacted his vision.
If Le Mans had been a championship round that year, he would have surpassed Schlesser to claim the title.
During his final year out of three at Sauber, Mass served as a mentor and driver coach within the Mercedes young driver program, co-driving with talents such as Michael Schumacher, Karl Wendlinger, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen throughout the season.
He secured a victory at Spa alongside Wendlinger and later in Mexico City with Schumacher.
Mass concluded his career with an impressive record of 32 world championship victories in sportscar racing, achieved with Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and Sauber-Mercedes, second only to the 37 victories held by endurance racing legend Jacky Ickx over the original series’ 40-year history.
#2 Team Sauber Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz C11: Jochen Mass, Karl Wendlinger
Photo by: David Hutson / Motorsport Images
Before his racing career, Mass spent three years as a merchant seaman, and later ventured into hillclimbing competitions utilizing equipment he borrowed from the Alfa Romeo dealership where he was employed.
His talent quickly shone as he transitioned to circuit racing, earning him a spot with Ford for their touring car campaigns driving the Capri.
Mass secured victory at the Spa 24 Hours in 1972 while driving the RS2600 version of the car, ultimately clinching the European Touring Car series title.
The German division of the US manufacturer provided support for his early single-seater career in Formula 3 in Britain, and he soon advanced to Formula 2 with March and subsequently Surtees.
During his victorious F2 season with Surtees in 1973, Mass was presented with his initial opportunities in F1 by the team.
Following a full season drive with the British team in 1974, he made the move to McLaren for the final two races, stepping in for the injured Mike Hailwood.
After his stint with McLaren, Mass raced for ATS, Arrows, and the RAM March team before deciding to retire from F1 after an aerial incident during the 1982 French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, from which he thankfully emerged unharmed.
Mass formally retired from racing after the 1990 season, but later returned for a one-off appearance at Le Mans for the 12th and final time, driving a McLaren F1 GTR in 1995.
A familiar face at the Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting for the past decade, Mass served as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.
