Phil Hill

Phil Hill (1927-2008) was an American race car driver and the first American to win the Formula One World Championship.

Born in Miami, Florida, Hill developed an early interest in automobiles and racing. He began his racing career in the early 1950s, primarily driving Ferraris. He quickly gained recognition for his smooth driving style and technical understanding of his cars.

Hill joined the Ferrari Formula One team in 1958 and became a key member. His performance steadily improved, and in 1961, he secured the World Championship title after a season marked by both success and tragedy, including the death of his Ferrari teammate Wolfgang von Trips at the Italian Grand Prix. Hill won the championship despite the circumstances, showcasing his skill and resilience.

Besides Formula One, Hill also had a distinguished career in sports car racing. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times (1958, 1961, and 1962), all with Ferrari. He also achieved success in other prominent sports car races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring.

After retiring from professional racing, Hill remained involved in the automotive world. He worked as a commentator and wrote articles for automotive publications. He also became a respected collector of classic cars and participated in historic racing events. Phil Hill is remembered as one of the greatest American racing drivers of all time and a significant figure in the history of motorsport.