The Formula One community was met with some tragic news today. The last surviving driver from the debut season of Formula One has passed away today at the age of 97. Robert Manzon was not only a great racecar driver, but also an amazing person. He will be deeply missed.
Manzon started his career in the automotive industry as a diesel engine parts salesman. It wasn’t until 1950 that he decided to takes his chances behind the wheel of a car. He picked up a ride with Gordini in the newly founded Formula One. He took part in three out of the seven races that season, earning his only 1950 points at his home Grand Prix in France. He would return again the following year, but would not be able to score any points.
It wasn’t until the 1952 season that he was able to experience any real success in motor racing. He finished on the bottom step of the podium at the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix and managed to earn points at two more races, giving him nine points and a championship position of sixth. After racing in the first race of the 1953 season, he would disappear from the sport for the remainder of the season.
He then left the Gordini team to join a team owned by fellow racing driver, Louis Rosier. In his first race back since returning to the sport, he took the bottom step of the podium again, this time at his home Grand Prix. That would be his only success in the 1954 season. He would briefly spend some time behind the wheel of a Ferrari, during qualifying for the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix. However, after an accident in qualifying, he wasn’t able to compete in the race. He would then move back to the Gordini team the following season, where he remained for the final two years of his Formula One career, during which he would race a few event s per season, to no success.
After leaving Formula One, he lived a rather normal life. He died at his home, just South of France. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Robert Manzon.
