Jochen Mass, veteran of Formula 1 and winner in Le Mans, dies at 78 years

Jochen Mass, former Formula 1 pilot and winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans, has died this Sunday, May 4 because of complications derived from a heart attack that suffered last February. The German pilot was 78 years old And, until his cardiac episode, he remained as an active member of the sports automobile community, attending and participating in multiple events.

His own family has communicated the death through their social networks, also transferring thanks to all messages of support which he received in recent months, when Mass disappeared from the circuits to focus on his health.

“With deep regret, we share the news of the death of Jochen Mass due to complications subsequent to the heart attack that suffered last February”the family declared. “Thank you all for the incredible support we have received. Each positive message towards him has comforted him a lot in recent days. More than crying for his death, we also celebrate his incredible life. A life he loved sharing it with all of us. A life that lived to the fullest. Now, he runs again with all his usual friends,”.

Already last March, Mass’s family reported that the pilot would postpone his public appearances and future commitments to concentrate on his recovery. “Although Jochen is stable”then their relatives wrote, “will cancel your next public appearances and commitments while focusing on your recovery. We, as a family, are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and respect for our privacy we have received at this time”.

Although Jochen Mass had a much more successful trajectory in Sport Prototype. A memorable race for many other reasons, such as the half point achieved by Lella Lombardi (the first point and the only one achieved by a woman in the F1), or the Rolf Stommelen accident with her Embassy Hill Lola T371 against several spectators.

After leaving F1 in 1982, Mass focused on Sport Prototypes and resistance, and there he found success with Porsche. With them, he got three poles in the 24 hours of Le Mans, the first in 1978 with the Martini-Porsche 936 and the next two in 1985 and 1986, with the Rothmans-Porsche 962C. However, his only victory in the French race would arrive with Sauber-Mercedes in 1989accompanied by Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens.

After retiring as an active pilot, Mass became the great mentor of his compatriot Michael Schumacherplaying a key role in its seven world championships of Formula 1.

If the support was already massive during his illness, the community of the motorsport He has turned even more, if possible, after his death. In an instant, the universe of races has been filled with compliments and beautiful words for Mass.

“I am deeply sad for the death of my friend Jochen Mass. He lived an incredible life within our sport and, in addition, was a wonderful person who loved life as much as Formula 1. All of us who have known and admired will always remember it. In this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends “declared the CEO of F1 Stefano Domenicalli.