Jacky Ickx

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born and raised in Brussels, Ickx started his career in motorcycle road racing and trials, winning several national and continental titles in the latter discipline. Progressing to touring car racing in the mid-1960s, Ickx won multiple titles before winning the 24 Hours of Spa in 1966. Attracting the attention of Ken Tyrrell, he entered the 1966 German Grand Prix in a Matra Formula Two car, retiring after a first-lap collision with John Taylor, who later died of his injuries. Ickx returned to the race the following year, qualifying third in his Formula Two machinery and earning a Formula One drive with Cooper from the Italian Grand Prix onwards, where he finished sixth. Ickx was signed by Ferrari in 1968, taking his maiden victory in France, amongst several podiums, as he finished fourth in the standings. Moving to Brabham in 1969, Ickx continued to race and finished runner-up to Jackie Stewart. He returned to Ferrari the next year, again finishing runner-up to Jochen Rindt as he took wins in Austria, Canada and Mexico. Ickx took further wins for Ferrari at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1971 and the German Grand Prix in 1972, but left the team halfway through the 1973 season over the performance of the Ferrari 312B3. After one-off appearances for McLaren and Williams, Ickx joined Lotus in 1974, but left after less than two seasons with the team. He returned to the sport with Wolf–Williams in 1976, swapping seats with Chris Amon at Ensign from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards. After intermittent appearances for Ensign over the next three seasons, Ickx joined Ligier in 1979, replacing an injured Patrick Depailler at the final eight Grands Prix of the season. Struggling to adapt to the ground effect era, Ickx retired from Formula One at the conclusion of the 1979 season with eight race wins, 13 pole positions, 14 fastest laps and 25 podiums. Outside of Formula One, Ickx won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, a record which stood until 2005. He also won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1969 and 1972, but never won the 24 Hours of Daytona, meaning he did not complete the Triple Crown of endurance racing. Ickx won two World Endurance Championships in 1982 and 1983 with Porsche. He retired from endurance racing in 1985, following his involvement in the death of Stefan Bellof. Between 1981 and 2000, Ickx entered 14 editions of the Dakar Rally, winn

In Their Own Story

The 1980s marked a pivotal era for Ickx as he shifted focus toward Porsche's dominance in sports car racing. Between 1981 and 2000, he entered 14 editions of the Dakar Rally, eventually winning the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1983 with Mercedes. However, his career in endurance racing concluded under somber circumstances; he retired in 1985 following his involvement in the death of Stefan Bellof. Before this final chapter, Ickx had already established himself as a master of varied conditions, particularly noted for his skill in wet weather and on challenging tracks like the Nürburgring. His ability to adapt across disciplines—from Formula One's single-seaters to the rugged demands of the Dakar Rally—showcased a versatility that few could replicate. Even after leaving active competition, his induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2002 recognized a career defined by excellence across every category he entered.

Reader's Guide

Jacky Ickx is a Belgian former racing driver known for his versatility across Formula One, endurance racing, and rallying. He won eight Formula One Grands Prix and was runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship in 1969 and 1970. In endurance racing, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times (a record until 2005), the 12 Hours of Sebring twice (1969 and 1972), and the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1972. He also won the World Endurance Championship in 1982 and 1983 with Porsche, and the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1983 with Mercedes.

Did You Know?

• Ickx won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, a record that stood until 2005.
• He won the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1983 with Mercedes.
• Ickx was runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1969, 1970, and 1971.
• Despite his Le Mans and Sebring wins, Ickx never won the 24 Hours of Daytona, so he did not complete the Triple Crown of endurance racing.