Didier Pironi

Didier Joseph Louis Pironi (26 March 1952 – 23 August 1987) was a French driver who raced in both Formula One and offshore powerboats. Over five seasons in F1, he won three Grands Prix and finished as runner-up for the 1982 world championship with Ferrari. He also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978 with Renault.

Born and raised in Val-de-Marne, Pironi was the half-brother and first cousin of fellow racer José Dolhem. He initially studied engineering and earned a science degree, but after enrolling at the Winfield Racing School at Paul Ricard, he won a scholarship that launched his career. He won the Formula Renault Eurocup in 1974 and 1976, and finished third in the 1977 European Formula Two Championship.

Pironi made his Formula One debut with Tyrrell at the 1978 Argentine Grand Prix. He stayed with the team the following year, scoring his first podium. In 1980 he moved to Ligier, partnering Jacques Laffite. There he took his maiden win at the Belgian Grand Prix and added several more podiums, finishing fifth in the championship.

His performances caught the attention of Enzo Ferrari, who signed him for 1981 alongside Gilles Villeneuve. During the 1982 season, while leading the drivers' standings, Pironi was seriously injured in qualifying for the German Grand Prix. In very wet conditions, he crashed his Ferrari 126C2 and suffered severe leg injuries. The accident came three months after Villeneuve’s death, which many linked to the rivalry between the two teammates. Pironi ultimately lost the title by five points to Keke Rosberg. He retired from F1 with three wins, four pole positions, five fastest laps, and 13 podiums.

Outside Formula One, Pironi competed in four editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning in 1978 with Jean-Pierre Jaussaud in a Renault Alpine A442B. He also won races in the BMW M1 Procar Championship. In August 1987, Pironi died in an offshore powerboat racing accident near the Isle of Wight.