Patrick Depailler

Patrick Andre Eugene Joseph Depailler

["Formula One Driver", "Two-Time Grand Prix Winner", "Tyrrell & Ligier Pilot"]

Born Aug 09, 1944

Clermont-Ferrand, France

Passed Away Aug 01, 1980 Hockenheimring, West Germany

Lifespan 35 years old

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Notice / Correction

"To race at the limit, you must never be afraid of the machine; you must command it until it yields."

Archival Overview

Daring French Formula One driver who scored historic Grand Prix victories for Tyrrell at Monaco and for Ligier at Jarama, celebrated for his courage, chain-smoking charm, and mastery of the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34.

Biographical Record

Patrick Depailler (1944–1980) honed his fearless racecraft on the volcanic curves of the Circuit de Charade. Winning the 1974 European Formula Two title, he joined Tyrrell, where he famously piloted the revolutionary six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 to multiple podiums in 1976 and 1977.

In 1978, Depailler achieved his crowning triumph, winning the Monaco Grand Prix for Tyrrell. Moving to Ligier in 1979, he dominated the Spanish Grand Prix before suffering severe leg fractures in a hang-gliding accident. Returning courageously with Alfa Romeo in 1980, he was killed testing at Hockenheim.

Key Life Milestones

1976

Historic 1-2 Finish with Six-Wheeled Tyrrell P34

Finished second behind teammate Scheckter in the revolutionary six-wheeler at the Swedish Grand Prix.

1978

Victory at the Monaco Grand Prix

Mastered the Monte Carlo streets in the Tyrrell 008, capturing one of motor racing's crown jewels.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cimetiere de Crevant-Laveine
Crevant-Laveine (Puy-de-Dome), France

                         GPS: 45.9222, 3.4278                    

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