Photo: Joost Evers / Anefo, Nationaal Archief, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL
Photo: Joost Evers / Anefo, Nationaal Archief, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL
Remembering the Swiss legend – Jo Siffert
Jo Siffert remains one of the most remarkable figures in motorsport history.
Known for his fearless driving, he rose from modest beginnings to become a hero in his home country and an icon on international racing stage.
His journey to F1 was far from easy, he started racing motorcycles and small cars with very little money, often sleeping in his car to save costs.
He worked very hard as a young boy, to keep his dream alive, he bought and sold cars, recycled scrap metal.
It’s different when you reach at the top trying hard, than finding the easy path, that was the life of Jo Siffert.
Jo Siffert debut in F1 in 1962
He entered F1 in 1962; raced until 1971; winning two races.
However, Jo Siffert competed for teams such as Rob Walker, March, and BRM.
His F1 career included two memorable GP victories, his first win came at the British GP 1968, driving for the privateer Rob Walker team.
In a fierce battle with Chris Amon’s Ferrari, Siffert secured a historic victory, marking the last GP win for a genuine privater team.
Best performance of Siffert came at the Austrian Grand Prix in 1971, driving for BRM, he secured his second win in F1 in best possible way, taking pole, fastest lap in the race and win.
Jo Siffert never had winning car in his hands, but if you look at his stats during his career he did an amazing job, taking six podiums, two pole positions and four fastest lap.
Jo Siffert’s best season was in 1971, finishing 5th in the world championship.
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Jo Siffert in other series
Out of F1, Siffert truly shone in sports car and endurance racing, particularly as a key driver for the Porsche factory team.
Jo Siffert with Hans Herrman, won both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in a Porsche 907, securing Porsche’s first major 24-hour race victories.
In 1969, Jo Siffert teamed up with Brian Redman to claim victories at the 1000 km of Monza and the 1000 km of Spa in the Porsche 908LH.
One of his most legendary wins came in 1970 at the Targa Florio, where he drove for Gulf-liveried Porsche 908/3 alongside Redman to triumph in one of the most challenging road races in the world.
Beyond racing
He was known for his charisma and style, earning the nickname ‘King of Cool’.
His charm attracted sponsors and fans and he became one of the first F1 drivers to embrace endorsements, famously promoting TAG Hauer watches and helping make the Monaco model iconic.
His persona even inspired actor Steve McQueen, who reportedly modeled his character in the film Le Mans after Siffert.
Jo Siffert’s last lap
Jo Siffert sadly lost his life at Brands Hatch in 1971 during a non-championship Formula One event.
His passing later contributed to important improvements in motorsport safety and procedures across the sport.
Siffert was not just a racer, he was a trailblazer, a charismatic figure and a true icon whose memory continues to resonate in the world of motorsport.
In the world of F1, few names stir both admiration and sorrow quite like Jo Siffert, known as Seppi, who was the first Swiss driver to win in F1.
In F1, few names stir both admiration and sorrow quite like Jo Siffert, known as ‘Seppi’ who was the first Swiss driver to win in Formula 1.
