Jochen Mass, a charismatic figure in the world of motorsport, was a name well-known among racing enthusiasts. He enjoyed a successful career as both a Formula 1 driver and a prominent sports car competitor, securing a win at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. Tragically, Mass passed away at the age of 78 due to complications from a stroke, leaving behind a legacy that reflects both his talent and his amiable personality.
Mass’s Formula 1 career spanned nine seasons and included 105 races. Despite his impressive skill set, many believe he didn’t achieve the heights he could have, largely due to his gentle demeanor. Alastair Caldwell, who managed the McLaren team during Mass’s time there, noted that Mass was “too nice” for the cutthroat world of F1. Caldwell described him as a charming individual who was well-liked, humorous, and had interests outside of racing, including sailing and yachting.
Jochen Mass joined McLaren after a stint with the Surtees team at the end of 1974, stepping into the role left vacant by Mike Hailwood, who had suffered severe injuries. When two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi left McLaren for a family team in 1975, many anticipated that Mass would seize his opportunity to shine. Despite some skepticism surrounding his new teammate, James Hunt, Mass was optimistic about making his mark in the sport.
Caldwell recalled an instance on a flight to the Brazilian Grand Prix where Mass inquired about who the number one driver was. Caldwell responded that it would be the driver who performed the best. Hunt quickly established himself as McLaren’s lead driver by securing pole positions in the first two races of the 1976 season. Although Mass managed to score points and even finished third in several races, he never eclipsed Hunt’s success, who ultimately claimed the world championship that year.
In retrospect, many believe that Mass had a legitimate shot at victory during the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. His strategy of opting for slick tires when others chose wet tires could have led to a dominant performance. However, the race was interrupted after a devastating crash involving Niki Lauda, which changed the dynamics of the competition. Caldwell mentioned that Mass had a significant lead before the race was halted due to the incident, showcasing his potential to have won that day.
Mass’s only Formula 1 victory came during a controversial Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuïc in 1975. Initially, he had planned to withdraw from the race as a protest against the dangerous conditions of the circuit, but once the race commenced, his competitive instincts took over. After taking the lead following a crash that claimed lives, Mass was declared the winner, although he only received half points due to the race not reaching the required distance.
His time with McLaren concluded in the late 1970s, after which Mass faced challenges in maintaining his momentum in Formula 1. A stint with the ATS team ended prematurely due to a severe accident during testing that resulted in a broken leg and other injuries. After a recovery period, he had offers from both Frank Williams’s team and a burgeoning Arrows squad. Ultimately, Mass opted for Arrows, a decision he later regretted, especially when Williams achieved success with his new car that year.
Mass’s involvement in Formula 1 waned after his departure from McLaren. Although he returned to motorsport with the RAM March team in the early 1980s, his time in F1 concluded after a significant crash at the French Grand Prix, which caused him to reassess his career path.
However, Mass found a second wind in endurance racing, particularly with Porsche. His career flourished in the Group C category, where he became a vital part of Porsche’s racing efforts, achieving nine world championship victories between 1982 and 1985. His partnership with Derek Bell during this period solidified Mass’s reputation as a skilled and reliable driver, with Bell describing him as a “laid-back, cuddly man” who possessed great strength and toughness.
Mass’s journey in motorsport began later than many of his peers. He only started racing at 21, after a brief career at sea as a merchant seaman. His first major triumph came in 1970 when he was recruited by Ford for touring car racing. Mass quickly transitioned to Formula 2 and then to Formula 1, where he showcased his versatility and talent.
Throughout his career, Mass was not only recognized for his driving skills but also for his contributions to nurturing young talents in the sport. During his time at Mercedes, he played a pivotal role in mentoring future stars like Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, helping them transition from Formula 3 to the more powerful Group C racing cars. His willingness to share knowledge and experience made a significant impact on their development.
After stepping back from competitive racing in the early 1990s, Mass did make a return for a one-off appearance at the 1995 Le Mans, where he nearly led the race before facing mechanical issues. Despite his retirement from active competition, Mass remained connected to the motorsport community through various roles, including commentary and serving as an ambassador for Mercedes.
Jochen Mass’s life and career left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. From his early days in Formula 1 to his remarkable achievements in endurance racing, he exemplified both talent and integrity. His legacy is characterized not only by his successes on the track but also by his warm, approachable nature that endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. As the motorsport community mourns his passing, his contributions will be remembered, and his spirit will continue to inspire future generations of racers.
