Former F1 Driver Andrea de Adamich Passes Away at 84

Andrea de Adamich, a former Formula 1 driver known for his time with McLaren and Ferrari, has died at the age of 84. The Italian racer, who participated in 30 Grand Prix races between 1968 and 1973, achieved a total of six championship points during his career in this elite motorsport.

De Adamich’s racing journey began with significant early successes, including winning the Italian F3 Championship in 1965 and the European Touring Car Championship the following year. He made his F1 debut at the 1968 South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami, where he raced for Ferrari alongside notable drivers such as Chris Amon and Jacky Ickx. Unfortunately, his first and only race with Ferrari ended prematurely due to an accident that forced him to retire on the 13th lap.

Career Highlights and Challenges

In 1970, de Adamich transitioned to McLaren, where he continued to showcase his talent. He later drove for teams including March, Surtees, and Brabham. Throughout his F1 career, he secured points with two fourth-place finishes: one at the 1972 Spanish Grand Prix and another at the 1973 Belgian Grand Prix.

De Adamich also made a mark in endurance racing, competing twice in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1972, he finished fourth while racing an Alfa Romeo alongside compatriot Nino Vaccarella. However, his racing career faced a significant setback during the 1973 British Grand Prix, where he was involved in a serious 10-car pile-up. De Adamich sustained a broken ankle and was trapped in his vehicle for 52 minutes before being rescued.

A Legacy Beyond Racing

After retiring from competitive racing, Andrea de Adamich became a respected commentator in Italy, sharing his insights on the sport for over three decades. He presented the program “Grand Prix” on Italia 1 from 1978 to 2012, establishing himself as a familiar face in motorsport broadcasting.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport and his country, de Adamich was appointed as a ‘Commendatore’ of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of Italy’s highest civilian honors, just three years ago. He is survived by his wife, Sofia, and their three children, leaving behind a rich legacy in both racing and media.