Former F1 driver Paul Pietsch is celebrating his 100th birthday today, making him the only driver in the sport’s history to hit three figures.
Born in this day in 1911, the German competed in three World Championship Grands Prix in the modern era between 1950 and 1952, retiring from all three events.
Before the modern-era championship Pietsch made his motorsport debut in 1932 behind the wheel of Bugattis and Alfa Romeos.
Pietsch’s greatest claim to fame is as the founder of the authoritative Auto Motor und Sport publication, which he set up to help fund a continuation of his racing career.
In more recent years, Pietsch has famously refused the use of walking sticks and hearing aids, claiming they are “for old people”.
[Image via Forix]
Richard Bailey
Latest posts by Richard Bailey (see all)
- WTCR: Guerrieri outwits Muller at the Nordschleife - 26 September, 2020
- WTCR: Girolami breaks Nordschleife lap record to claim pole - 25 September, 2020
- WTCR: Hyundai withdraws from Germany round - 24 September, 2020
- WTCR: Ehrlacher leads Lynk & Co podium sweep at Zolder - 13 September, 2020
- WTCR: Girolami kicks off 2020 season with victory - 13 September, 2020