Sad news to report today with word that Paul Pietsch, Formula 1’s only centenarian, has died just weeks away from his 101st birthday.
Pietsch made history last year by becoming the first Formula 1 driver to hit three figures.
Much of the German’s professional racing career was confined to the pre-War era with Bugatti and Alfa Romeo, although he did make a few World Championship appearances between 1950 and 1952, retiring from all three Grands Prix he contested.
Pietsch also founded the Auto Motor und Sport publication, which remains Germany’s most authoritative motorsport publication to this day.
Pietsch’s death leaves 95-year-old Frenchman Robert Manzon as the sport’s oldest surviving driver.
The RichardsF1.com team extends its condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
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Richard Bailey
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