Jochen Mass, a celebrated figure in the world of motorsport, has passed away at the age of 78. His family announced the unfortunate news on his Instagram account, revealing that he had been facing health challenges following a stroke earlier in the year. The family’s heartfelt tribute expressed their sorrow, stating, “Today we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and a racing legend.” They further acknowledged the outpouring of support they received during his final days, which brought him comfort.
Mass’s illustrious career in motorsport spanned several decades, with a notable presence in both Formula 1 and endurance racing. His single Formula 1 victory came at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Montjuic Park street circuit in Barcelona. During that race, Mass skillfully maneuvered his McLaren-Cosworth M23 into the lead, overtaking Jacky Ickx’s Lotus. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when the race was halted due to an accident that claimed the lives of four individuals, including a spectator and two photographers. As a result, the race ended before the 60% distance was completed, leading to the awarding of only half points.
Throughout his nine-season career in Formula 1, which included 105 race starts, Mass showcased his talent with a total of seven podium finishes. His most significant achievements, however, were found in the realm of sportscar racing. Beginning with Porsche in 1976, Mass became an integral part of the legendary German manufacturer’s factory team. He thrived during the Group C era, which commenced in 1982, and achieved a remarkable nine world sportscar championship victories in the Porsche 956/962 models.
In 1988, Mass transitioned to the Sauber-Mercedes team, where he continued to excel. Over the next few years, he secured an additional ten victories in the world series, driving the Sauber C9 and the Mercedes-badged C11. One of the highlights of his career came in 1989 when Mass triumphed at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside partners Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens. That year, he finished second in the World Sports-Prototype Championship standings, narrowly missing the title due to a virus that impaired his vision before the season’s opening round.
In addition to his racing achievements, Mass played a crucial role as a mentor and driver coach within the Mercedes young driver program during his final years with Sauber. He partnered with notable drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger, contributing to their development as they navigated the world of motorsport. Mass’s experience and guidance were instrumental in their success, including victories at Spa and in Mexico City.
Jochen Mass’s racing career began in an unconventional manner. After spending three years as a merchant seaman, he entered the world of motorsport by competing in hillclimb events using vehicles borrowed from the Alfa Romeo dealership where he was employed. His talent quickly became evident, leading to his selection by Ford for touring car campaigns with the Capri. His notable victory at the Spa 24 Hours in 1972 using the RS2600 model helped him secure the European Touring Car series title.
With the support of the German branch of the American automotive manufacturer Ford, Mass advanced to single-seater racing in Formula 3 in Britain. His success in this category paved the way for a move to Formula 2, where he raced for teams like March and Surtees. In 1973, he had a race-winning season with Surtees, which led to his initial opportunities in Formula 1.
Mass’s Formula 1 journey began in earnest in 1974 when he secured a full-season drive with the Surtees team. He later moved to McLaren, stepping in for the injured Mike Hailwood during the final two races of that season. His time in Formula 1 also included stints with various teams, including ATS, Arrows, and the RAM March team. However, a harrowing aerial accident during the 1982 French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard marked a turning point in his career, prompting him to reassess his future in the sport.
After effectively retiring from competitive racing in 1990, Mass made a brief return to the track for a final appearance at Le Mans in 1995, where he drove a McLaren F1 GTR. For the past decade, he had been a familiar face at events like the Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting, where he continued to share his passion for motorsport and serve as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.
Jochen Mass’s legacy in motorsport is characterized by his remarkable achievements, both in Formula 1 and endurance racing. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered not only for his victories and podium finishes but also for the mentorship and guidance he provided to the next generation of drivers. In celebrating his life, fans and fellow racers honor a man who lived his passion to the fullest, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the world of motorsport. His passing is a profound loss to the racing community, but his impact will continue to inspire those who follow in his tire tracks.
