New Zealand's Last Living F1 Driver Has Died

Chris Amon, one of New Zealand's greatest-ever motor racing drivers, has died. He was 73.

Amon, who passed away in Rotorua yesterday, was one of only three Kiwis to compete in F1, alongside fellow motorsport titans Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme. With McLaren dying in a crash in 1970, and Hulme of a heart attack in 1992, he was the last living Kiwi to drive in the F1.

Highlights of Amon's 1970 F1 pre-season victory in the UK

Though Amon never won a Grand Prix as a driver, tributes have flowed for Amon from some of motor racing's biggest names.

"Chris was one of the real gentleman form the sport," F1 legend Jackie Stewart told Radio New Zealand.

"He was a great friend … one of the nicest, cleanest drivers you could have ever met. On a race-track, he had impeccable manners. He was very quick."

Saddened by the passing of my friend and past t/mate Chris Amon. Truly one of the good guys admired and respected by all. — Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti)August 3, 2016

Amon was born in the tiny Manawatu town of Bulls in 1943, and learnt how to drive on his father's sheep farm aged only six.

After moving to Europe to race professionally at 19, Amon did various stints in F1 – including for McLaren - and in American racing before signing up with Ferrari in 1967.

Amon – well-known for his nose for a good party - has been described as one of the unluckiest drivers in F1 history, given his ability behind the wheel far outstripped the engines in the Ferrari cars in the late 60s.

Many have suggested that had he driven for the Italian team the following decade he would have won more titles. As it was, he only recorded ten podium finishes – two seconds and eight thirds, in total – driving for ten teams, including his own, over the years.

"It's amazing to me that he didn't win quite a few world championship grand prix victories," Stewart said.

Saddened to hear the passing of Chris Amon. A true Legend and inspiration to many. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) August 3, 2016

Amon – who started 96 F1 races in total – was more relaxed about his time with Ferrari, given the number of top drivers that died – including his fellow Kiwi McLaren – whilst he competed.

"It was such a dangerous era, and I don't look back with any sense of frustration," he once told the New Zealand Herald.

"I'm eternally thankful that I survived."

Amon regarded his career highlight as winning the 1966 Le Mans 24-Hour race in a Ford GT40 Mk II with McLaren as his partner.

The Kiwi legend drove for various F1 teams until 1976, when he retired to run his family farm back in New Zealand.