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.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Joseph Siffert
Born: 7 July 1936
Birthplace: Fribourg, Switzerland
Died: 24 October 1971
Place of death: Brands Hatch, Kent, England
Cause of death: Smoke inhalation after a collision at the 1971 World Championship Victory Race
Children: 2

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 1959, 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.

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.

Did You Know?

His 1968 British Grand Prix victory is regarded as the last GP victory by a genuine privateer.
Siffert's funeral in Switzerland was reportedly attended by tens of thousands of mourners, though exact figures vary, and a Porsche 908 is often said to have 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.