Formula 1 | Tony Brooks, the oldest F1 winner, has died

F1 has lost one of its best elements to never win a world title, with the death at 90 of Tony Brooks. The Briton had won six Grands Prix in his career and was runner-up in 1959.

He was the oldest Grand Prix winner, and was also the last surviving driver to have triumphed in the 1950s. Brooks had started in the world championship at the 1956 British Grand Prix, which he did not saw the arrival.

Engaged on a Vanwall the following year, he scored a podium in Monaco and a victory at home in Aintree. This had allowed him to finish fifth in the drivers’ championship.

In 1958, he took pole position in Monaco but did not see the finish. In a season marked by numerous mechanical glitches, he nevertheless managed to win three victories, at Spa, on the Nürburgring and at Monza.

In 1959, he fought for the world title until the end of the season, after winning in France and Germany. He had joined Ferrari that year and the absence of the Scuderia in England forced him to drive a Vanwall, which was less efficient than his D246. He eventually finished vice-world champion.

In 1960 and 1961, he returned to drive for English manufacturers, namely Cooper, Vanwall and BRM, but only scored one podium in two years. It was with this third place that he ended his career at the end of 1961.

He was the oldest winner in F1, a title he now leaves to Jackie Stewart. The Scotsman and Jacky Ickx are the only surviving drivers to have won a Grand Prix in the 1960s.