Just PHIL HILL

PHIL HILL

Phil Hill was a legendary American racing driver and the first U.S.-born pilot to win the Formula One World Championship, achieving this historic title in 1961 with Scuderia Ferrari.

Born in Miami and raised in California, Hill was highly respected for his analytical driving style, deep mechanical empathy for his machinery, and exceptional courage under wet and treacherous racing conditions. He also stands as one of the greatest endurance racing icons in motorsport history.

Phil Hill - Ferrari 156 - 1961.

Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien win 1961 24 hours of Le Mans in Ferrari 250TR/61.

 

Phil Hill Reveals the 5 Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of All Time.

Major Career Highlights

1961 Formula One World Champion: Secured his historic title driving for Ferrari. The championship, however, was marred by tragedy at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where his teammate and title rival, Count Wolfgang von Trips, was fatally injured.

Three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner: Won the legendary French endurance race in 1958, 1961, and 1962, partnering with Belgian driver Olivier Gendebien for Ferrari.

Three-time 12 Hours of Sebring Winner: Took the top spot on the podium in 1958, 1959, and 1961.

Endurance Triple Crown: By winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1964 with the NART team, he became the first driver to complete the triple crown of sports car endurance racing (Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona).

Formula One Career Statistics

Active Seasons: 1958 - 1966

Grand Prix Starts: 49 (53 entries)

World Championships: 1 (1961)

Race Wins: 3

Podiums: 16

Pole Positions: 6

Fastest Laps: 6

After leaving Ferrari at the end of 1962 due to team internal conflicts, Hill drove for smaller outfits like ATS and Cooper before officially retiring from racing in 1967. Post-retirement, he enjoyed a highly successful second career in car restoration in California and worked as an automotive journalist. Phil Hill passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

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