Camilla Jessen
Former Formula One driver Jochen Mass has passed away following complications from a stroke.
Jochen Mass, the former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner has died at the age of 78, his family confirmed to German media Auto Bild.
He passed away in Cannes on Sunday due to complications following a stroke he suffered in February.
Mass raced in Formula 1 from 1973 to 1982, driving for teams including Surtees, McLaren, ATS, and Arrows.
Over the course of his career, he competed in 105 Grands Prix, securing one victory and eight podium finishes.
His lone Formula 1 win came at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuïc in Barcelona. The race, however, was marred by tragedy after a crash claimed the lives of five spectators and led to a shortened event.
In 1982, Mass was involved in a fatal collision during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix that resulted in the death of Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve.
The incident deeply affected Mass and is widely believed to have contributed to his decision to retire from Formula 1 shortly thereafter.
A Second Act in Endurance Racing
Following his departure from F1, Mass enjoyed continued success in sports car racing. His most notable achievement came in 1989 when he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the Sauber Mercedes team.
It was with Mercedes that Mass took on a pivotal role in shaping the career of a young Michael Schumacher.
As part of the brand’s junior program, Mass served as a mentor to Schumacher as he transitioned from Formula 3 into professional endurance racing.
Michael came to us from Formula 3,” Mass said in a past interview with Express. “He was fast, but used to being a lone fighter. I was supposed to be a role model—to show him how to work with engineers and handle the press.
Mass was widely respected for his professionalism and deep understanding of motorsport dynamics. Known for his measured demeanor, he became a fixture in the international racing community long after his competitive years.
Health Challenges in Final Months
In late March, his family issued a public statement revealing that Mass had undergone emergency surgery following his stroke in February.
While his condition was described as stable, the family said he would no longer appear in public and asked for privacy during his recovery.
Mass is survived by his wife and four children—two sons and two daughters.