Jo Siffert
Swiss racing driver, winner of two Formula One Grands Prix and a Porsche sportscar legend.
Joseph "Jo" Siffert (French pronunciation: [ʒo(zɛf) sifɛʁ]; 7 July 1936 – 24 October 1971) was a Swiss racing driver, who competed in Formula One from 1962 to 1971. Siffert won two Formula One Grands Prix across 10 seasons.
- Nationality
- Swiss
- Primary Era
- 1962 to 1971
- Most Famous Le Mans Car
- None
- Best Overall Finish
- None
- Class Wins at Le Mans
- None
- Nickname
- Seppi
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Affectionately known as "Seppi" to his family and friends, Siffert was born in Fribourg, the son of a dairy owner. He initially made his name in racing on two wheels, winning the Swiss 350 cc motorcycle championship in 1958, before switching to four wheels with a Formula Junior Stanguellini. Siffert graduated to Formula One as a privateer in 1962, with a four-cylinder Lotus-Climax. He later moved to Swiss team Scuderia Filipinetti, and in 1964 joined Rob Walker's private British Rob Walker Racing Team. Early successes included victories in the 1964 and 1965 Mediterranean Grands Prix non-Championship Formula One races, both times beating Jim Clark by a very narrow margin. He won two World Championship races, one for the Rob Walker Racing Team and one for BRM. Siffert died at the 1971 World Championship Victory Race, a non-Championship Formula One race, having his car roll over after a crash caused by a mechanical failure and being caught under the burning vehicle. Siffert was married twice, wedded with his second wife Simone from the height of his career in the late 1960s to the time of his death. They had two children together, Véronique and Philippe.
In Their Own Story
In 1970, Siffert teamed up with Brian Redman to drive a Porsche 908/3 to victory at the Targa Florio. That same year, Porsche bankrolled his seat in a works March Engineering F1 car because the German company did not wish to lose him to rival Ferrari. His association with March was disastrous, leading him to join Pedro Rodriguez at BRM for the following season. At BRM, Siffert scored his second Formula One Championship race victory at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix held at the Österreichring. He also helped launch Porsche's CanAm development programme in 1969, driving a Porsche 917PA spyder and finishing fourth in the championship despite few entries. Other major wins included the 1000 km of Nürburgring in 1968 and 1969, the 1000 km of Spa-Francorchamps in 1969 and 1970, and the 1000 km of Zeltweg in 1968, 1969, and 1970.
Reader's Guide
In 1968, Siffert and Hans Herrmann won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in a Porsche 907, marking the first major outright wins for the company. Later, Siffert's driving displays in the Porsche 917 earned him several major wins in Europe. In 1970, Siffert teamed up with Brian Redman to drive a Porsche 908/3 to victory at the Targa Florio.
Did You Know?
- Siffert won the Swiss 350 cc motorcycle championship in 1958 before switching to four wheels.
- His 1968 British Grand Prix victory is regarded as the last GP victory by a genuine privateer.
- Siffert's funeral in Switzerland was attended by 50,000 people, and a Porsche 908 led the hearse through Fribourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jo Siffert?
He was a Swiss racing driver active from 1962 to 1971 who competed in both Formula One and sports car events. Known by the nickname Seppi, he is remembered as a talented competitor who drove for teams like BRM and Rob Walker Racing Team.
What was Jo Siffert's primary role in racing?
Siffert served as a leading figure for the factory Porsche effort while also achieving success as a privateer in Grand Prix racing. His versatility allowed him to secure major victories at prestigious endurance events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio.
Did Jo Siffert win at Le Mans?
Although he was a prominent sports car driver, his record shows no overall finish or class wins specifically at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His legacy in endurance racing is instead defined by his contributions to Porsche's broader program during that era.
How did Jo Siffert's story end?
Tragically, Siffert's career concluded on October 24, 1971, when he died following a crash at Brands Hatch. This accident occurred during the non-championship Victory Race and marked the end of his competitive life.
Why is Jo Siffert important to racing history?
He is important because he achieved a historic win as a privateer at the 1968 British Grand Prix alongside two World Championship Grands Prix victories. His dedication to Porsche racing cemented his status as a legend among Swiss motorsport enthusiasts and factory team historians.
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