Sir Jack Brabham dies after a battle with liver disease
Three-time world champion Sir Jack Brabham has died at his home on Australia’s Gold Cost age of 88. He won the 1959, 1960 and 1966 titles. In his final years he had long running battle with liver disease.
“He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of,” said David Brabham. “He will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind.”
During the second world war he served in the Royal Australian Air Force as a mechanic. After the war he began racing in Australia and New Zealand before his F1 debut at Aintree Circuit in July 1995.
He won his first race in Monaco in 1958 and his last in South Africa in 1970 the year he retired. His world championship win in 1966 was achieved in a car of his own construction, the rear-engined BT19. He remains the only man in F1 history to have designed, built and driven a championship-winning car.
He raced for 12 years taking his last win in a divided South Africa in 1970 before selling his team to Bernie Ecclestone – who would go on to run the sport – with the Brabham name remaining in the sport until the 1990s.
He was knighted by the queen for services to motor sport in 1979.
“Australia has lost a legend,” said Tony Abbott, Australia’s Prime Minister.
“With his pioneering spirit, Sir Jack Brabham personified many great Australian characteristics. “He was respected and admired for his spirit, and for his great skill as an engineer.”
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