Departing Drivers

This year’s Formula One World Championship commenced without the reigning champion in the field, something that has not happened since 1993 when Alain Prost quit the Williams team. So, how many times have we been without the current champion? The easy answer is four, but it depends on the precise question. If we ask how many drivers announced their retirement from racing after winning the Championship, then the answer is, indeed, four. But if we ask the question differently—as in, “How many champions did not defend their title?”—then the answer becomes six, as I will explain. I realize that you all know that, but the man down at the pub might not, so if you are the one setting the questions for a motor racing quiz at your local car club, this is a slightly trick question for you to slip in, and one that might even catch out some of your friends who are not paying attention.

The first, most obvious, retiree is Mike Hawthorn, who announced his retirement very shortly after securing his first, and only, championship in October 1958. He had other plans for his life, like expanding his Tourist Trophy Garage business and marrying his fiancé, Jean Howarth. He also suffered from some health problems. Sadly, he was not to enjoy his retirement. In January 1959, while racing (allegedly) down the Guildford Bypass, he lost control of his Jaguar and was killed when it left the road and struck a tree. Some years later, Jean married Innes Ireland.