Mercedes legend Sir Stirling Moss dies at 90

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© Daimler AG

One of motorsport all-time greats and Mercedes legend Sir Stirling Moss died after a long illness at the age of 90.

Moss drove for Mercedes in many categories, most famously partnering with Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1955 Formula 1 season and winning that year’s British Grand Prix. The same year he won the famous Italian Mille Miglia open-road race behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.

Considered by many to be the greatest driver never to win the Formula 1 world championship, Moss competed in the series from 1951 until 1961. During his time in the sport he drove for Mercedes, Vanwall, Maserati, Rob Walker Cooper, Lotus and HWM. He competed in 66 Grands Prix, won 16 races, scored 24 podium finishes, 16 pole positions and 19 fastest laps. Unfortunately Moss was forced to retire from racing in 1962 after he suffered a major crash at Goodwood.

His death was confirmed by his wife Susie Moss, who said he passed away peacefully.

“It was one lap too many,” said Susie Moss.

“He just closed his eyes.”

Immediately upon learning of Sir Stirling’s death, Mercedes paid tribute to the legend in a post on social media:

“Today, the sporting world lost not only a true icon and a legend, but a gentleman.

“The Team and the Mercedes Motorsport family have lost a dear friend. Sir Stirling, we’ll miss you.”

The sentiment was echoed by Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.

“Sir Stirling was a larger-than-life figure in our sport and one of the survivors of an age when motor racing was about danger, bravery and camaraderie,” Wolff said.

“But most of all, Stirling’s career was characterised by an impeccable sportsmanship and in this he truly set himself apart.

“He was a great figure in the history of Mercedes, both as a Grand Prix driver and the winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia. It is no exaggeration to say that we will never see his like again.

“Our deepest condolences go to his wife Lady Susie, his family and his friends. Godspeed to a true racer.”

Lewis Hamilton also expressed his condolences.

“Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend,” wrote Hamilton on his social media channels.

“I think it’s important that we celebrate his incredible life and the great man he was.

“Saying goodbye is never easy and can be sad but he will always be here, in our memories and will always be such a huge part of British Motorsports Heritage. I certainly will miss our conversations. To be honest, it was such a unusual pairing, our friendship.

“Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades. I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him.

“Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.”

Valtteri Bottas shared the news of Moss’ passing and wrote simply: “RIP Sir”, while Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius wrote:

“The Mercedes-Benz family mourns the loss of Sir Stirling Moss. We will miss him as man, but he remains unforgettable as one of the greatest drivers of all time.

“His victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia made him into a sporting legend. He was both a successful sportsman and a true gentleman.

“And this is how we will always remember him,” concluded the Swede.

And finally, Mercedes released an amazing tribute video to the legend:

SilverArrows.Net would like to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sir Stirling Moss. We will never forget you.

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