Jacky Ickx

Six-time Le Mans winner and versatile racing legend.

Jacques Bernard Edmon Martin Henri "Jacky" Ickx (born 1 January 1945) is a Belgian former racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1966 to 1979. He twice finished runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship (1969, 1970) and won eight Grands Prix. In endurance racing, Ickx won two World Endurance Championships with Porsche and is a six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as a two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring. He also won the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1983 with Mercedes.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Jacques Bernard Edmon Martin Henri Ickx
Born: 1 January 1945
Birthplace: Brussels, Belgium
Children: 5, including Vanina
Relatives: Pascal Ickx (brother)

Lore & Background

Ickx was born in Brussels and started his career in motorcycle road racing and trials, winning national and continental titles. He progressed to touring car racing in the mid-1960s, winning multiple titles and the 24 Hours of Spa in 1966. He entered his first Grand Prix in 1966 in a Matra Formula Two car, retiring after a collision with John Taylor, who later died. In 1967 he qualified third at the German Grand Prix in a Formula Two car and earned a Formula One drive with Cooper.

He was signed by Ferrari in 1968, taking his maiden victory in France. He moved to Brabham in 1969, finishing runner-up to Jackie Stewart, then returned to Ferrari in 1970, again finishing runner-up to Jochen Rindt. He took further wins for Ferrari in 1971 and 1972, but left in 1973 over car performance. After stints with McLaren, Williams, Lotus, Wolf–Williams, Ensign, and Ligier, he retired from Formula One at the end of 1979 with eight wins, 13 poles, 14 fastest laps, and 25 podiums.

Reader's Guide

Ickx won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, a record that stood until 2005. He also won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1969 and 1972, and the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1972 with Mario Andretti, making him the fifth driver to complete the Triple Crown of endurance racing. He 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, he entered 14 editions of the Dakar Rally, winning in 1983. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Did You Know?

Ickx is noted for his skill in wet conditions and on challenging tracks such as the Nürburgring.
He is described as one of the most versatile racing drivers of all time due to his success across many categories.
Ickx won the 50 cc class at the 1962 Mettet Grand Prix road race and defeated future motocross world champion Roger De Coster in the 1963 Belgian 50 cc trials national championship.
He won the European 50 cc trials title after winning 8 of 13 races in his first season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cars did Jacky Ickx drive to win at Le Mans?

Ickx secured his victories piloting iconic machines such as the Porsche 917K and the Porsche 956. These powerful prototypes allowed him to showcase his exceptional skill in managing high-performance endurance machinery.

How many times did Jacky Ickx win the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

He stands as a six-time winner of the endurance classic, a record that highlights his unparalleled consistency and versatility. His success rate remains one of the most formidable achievements in the event's history.