Picture Credit: Formula 1
Former Ferrari driver Patrick Tambay, who won two Grand Prix in the 1980s, passed away due to a prolonged illness at 73. The French driver, who was suffering from Parkinson's Disease, had stints with Theodore, McLaren, and Renault team, but his time with Ferrari brought many laurels to his name.
Tambay's first career win came at Hockenheim in 1982, followed by a second win on the iconic Italian constructor's home turf at Imola the following season. Patrick Tambay's arrival at Ferrari came on the back of his friend, Gilles Villeneuve's fatal accident in the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix.
After impressive performances in Formula 2, Tambay stepped up to Formula One for a one-off appearance for Surtees at the 1977 French Grand Prix, though he could not qualify. The French driver immediately switched to the Theodore team and sealed three points finish before the year was out, which earned him a seat at McLaren the following year.
Ferrari paid tribute to his former driver on Sunday, calling him 'one of the true stars of the 80s.' Spells at Renault and Team Haas followed his team with the Scuderia before he bowed out of Grand Prix racing for good. He later returned to competition at Le Mans, where he finished fourth in 1989 and Paris-Dakar race, achieving two top-three finishes.
After retiring from racing, he worked as a commentator for French television and served as deputy mayor of Le Cannet in Southern France. Reportedly, Tambay was also a godfather to 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
"I am saddened by the news that Patrick Tambay has passed away. He was a great talent and ambassador for Formula 1 throughout his life. We will all miss him deeply and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time," Stefano Domenicali, President, and CEO of Formula 1, also paid tribute to Tambay.