Keke Rosberg

Finnish Formula One World Champion who won the 1982 title with Williams.

Keijo Erik "Keke" Rosberg (born 6 December 1948) is a Finnish former racing driver and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from 1978 to 1986. Rosberg won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1982 with Williams, and won five Grands Prix across nine seasons.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Keijo Erik Rosberg
Born: 6 December 1948
Birthplace: Solna, Sweden
Spouse: Sina Gleitsmann-Dengel (1983)
Children: Nico Rosberg

Lore & Background

Rosberg secured his maiden victory during his first season with Williams—at the Swiss Grand Prix—and his five further podiums saw him clinch the title at the final race of the season, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from Finland. He won the championship with a five-point lead over Didier Pironi, who had missed the last four races due to injuries. Rosberg's 1982 championship proved to be the last World Championship win for the Cosworth DFV engine. As a result of winning just one race in his title-winning season, Rosberg equalled the record set by Mike Hawthorn in 1958 for the fewest wins by a champion.

Reader's Guide

Rosberg's championship-winning car was the Williams FW08, not the FW07C.

Did You Know?

Rosberg was born in Sweden and raised in Finland.
He made his Formula One debut at age 29 for Theodore at the 1978 South African Grand Prix.
Rosberg won the non-championship BRDC International Trophy in his second Formula One appearance.
He is the father of 2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg.