1955 Withdrawal
The deadliest crash in motorsport history ended Mercedes' 1955 season.
The 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans disaster occurred on 11 June 1955 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, France, when a multi-vehicle collision sent Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh and his car into a spectator arena, killing him instantly and causing debris that killed an estimated 82 to 84 people. It is the deadliest event in motorsport history.
Quick Facts
- Final race
- French Grand Prix 1955
Lore & Background
Mercedes-Benz debuted the 300 SLR with a magnesium alloy body. The track had not been designed for cars exceeding 270 km/h, with only a 4 ft earthen bank separating spectators from the track. The official inquiry criticized the track layout but held no driver specifically responsible.
Reader's Guide
Mercedes withdrew from all remaining 1955 events immediately after Le Mans. Their last race before the disaster was the 1955 Belgian Grand Prix on June 5. They did not compete in the French Grand Prix in July 1955.
Did You Know?
- Switzerland did not lift its ban on motorsports until 2026.
- The 300 SLR's magnesium alloy body burned intensely when ignited, worsened by water from rescue workers.
- Levegh raised his hand to warn teammate Juan Manuel Fangio moments before the collision.
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