The Crittenden Automotive Library

Sir Stirling Moss Will Be Missed

Sir Stirling Moss Will Be Missed

Lucy Wyndham
23 April 2020

Lewis Hamilton in 2017

Formula One legend, Sir Stirling Moss, passed away on April 12th, 2020, at age 90 - he will never be forgotten. Born in 1929, on the 17th of September, he will always be remembered as one of the great British racers. While he never did manage to win himself a World Championship in F1, he was nonetheless admired for his 16 race wins and 24 podium finishes. After he retired from racing, he became a NASCAR and Formula One commentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports. Moss' passing was not due to coronavirus. He had been struggling with an illness for a long time. The late and great Stirling Moss is the subject of countless articles and video retrospectives.

Amazing career highlights

While he never lived the dream of being a Formula One World Champion, he did dazzle fans and win races, including a trio of thrilling victories in Monaco in 1956, 1960, and 1961. Beyond his achievements on the world's most elite race tracks, he earned a reputation for honor in motorsport, by arguing that a Formula One competitor, Mike Hawthorn, should not be disqualified from a race in Portugal in 1958. Hawthorn was in second place and Moss finished first. After Moss pleaded his case, Hawthorn's points were reinstated, and he went on to win the Formula One World Championship. If Stirling hasn't fought for another racer, he would have won that championship himself. Moss did what he felt was right and earned respect for his stellar sportsmanship.

An analytical visionary

Every great racer has his or her own personality, and Stirling Moss was known for his cool and analytical approach. He faced danger behind the wheel with steely calm. He was a visionary personality type, who was controlled and logical. Moss was from the old school and believed in old-fashioned values, including the merits of punctuality, according to a profile of the driver in Autosport. After retirement, he was committed to staying busy, as a life of leisure didn't suit him. When he wasn't on the track, he was quite happy to indulge in decadent pastimes, such as attending parties and getting cozy with beautiful women. He lived his life to the fullest.

Accidents and injuries

Race cars are much safer now than they were back in Moss' heyday, and he had some serious mishaps on the track. In 1962, he was partially and temporarily paralyzed due to an auto racing accident, and also sustained a brain injury. However, once he recovered, he went back to what he loved. 50 years later, he injured himself due to an elevator malfunction in his home. He fell inside of the elevator shaft and broke bones. He felt the effects of the elevator accident for the rest of his life.

The glory days of Formula One were such an exciting time for auto racing fans. Stirling Moss was one of the sport's most colorful and vibrant characters, not to mention a great talent. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on.