Gerhard Berger

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Lore & Background

Berger competed in Formula One for 14 seasons, twice finishing third overall in the championship in 1988 and 1994 with Ferrari. With 210 starts, Berger is amongst the most experienced Formula One drivers of all time. His first and last victories were also the first and last victories for the Benetton team, with eleven years separating them. He was also a race winner with Ferrari and with McLaren. When at McLaren, Berger drove alongside Ayrton Senna, contributing to the team's 1990 and 1991 constructors' titles. Berger retired in 1997 with ten wins, 12 pole positions, 21 fastest laps and 48 podiums in Formula One.

In Their Own Story

The source details a dramatic moment from Berger's career in 1984, shortly after entering Formula One. A week after the season ended, he was driving home in his BMW 323i through the hills above Salzburg when his car was rammed from behind. The impact sent the vehicle cartwheeling off a cliff. Berger, not wearing a seatbelt at that time, was thrown clear of the BMW through the rear window. By chance, the first car on the crash scene contained two surgeons specializing in back injuries. They realized the extent of his injuries—a broken neck and damaged bones in his back—and ensured he was not moved until special equipment arrived. Following emergency surgery and a hospital stay in Innsbruck, he made a full recovery.

Reader's Guide

Berger was born in Wörgl, Austria. His father Johann owned a truck company, which Gerhard worked at, later being promoted to driver. Berger, a multiple race winner in European Formula Three, moved up to Formula One in 1984 driving for the ATS team. A full season for Arrows followed in 1985. It was not until joining Benetton in 1986 that his F1 career took off. For the 1987 season, Berger signed for Ferrari. In 1988, Berger was the only driver to break the McLaren stranglehold, winning the Italian Grand Prix. Berger returned to Formula One in 2006 as the co-owner of Toro Rosso, before selling his 50% share back to Red Bull at the end of the 2008 season.

Did You Know?

• Berger survived a serious road accident in 1984 after his car was rammed from behind and cartwheeled off a cliff; he was thrown clear and suffered a broken neck.
• Berger won the 1985 Spa 24 Hours driving a BMW 635 Csi with Roberto Ravaglia and Marc Surer.
• Berger recorded the fastest speed trap of the 1986 season at Monza, clocking 351.22 km/h (218.23 mph) in a Benetton B186.
• Berger was the only non-McLaren driver to take pole in 1988, at the British Grand Prix.