Ernesto Prinoth was an Italian racing driver and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Prinoth AG.
Driver Bio
| Nationality | Italian |
| Birthplace | Ortisei, Italy |
| Born | 15 April 1923 |
| Died | 26 November 1981 |
| First Grand Prix | 1962 Italian Grand Prix |
| Last Grand Prix | 1962 Italian Grand Prix |
| Years Active | 1962 |
| Current/Last Team | Privateer: Lotus |
Prinoth entered Formula One in 1961, driving a privately run Lotus 18 in several non-championship events. Although competing outside the World Championship, he achieved respectable results, including podium finishes in smaller races.
His only attempt to qualify for a World Championship Formula One race came at the 1962 Italian Grand Prix, where he entered with support from Scuderia Jolly Club. However, he failed to qualify for the race.
He returned to Formula One machinery in 1963 for two further non-championship appearances, continuing to drive the same Lotus 18.
Beyond racing, Prinoth achieved lasting recognition as the founder of Prinoth AG, a company that became a leading manufacturer of snow grooming vehicles and equipment.
His son, Erich Prinoth, also pursued a career in motorsport and later competed in the Ferrari Challenge series.
Grand Prix Stats
| Race Entries | 1 |
| Race Starts | 0 |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Best Race Start | DNQ |
| Best Race Finish | DNQ |
| Retirements | 0 |
| First-Lap Retirements | 0 |
| Not Classified | 0 |
| Disqualified | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 1 |
Qualifying
| Qualifying Sessions | 1 |
| Reached Q3 | 0 |
| Q2 Eliminations | 0 |
| Q1 Eliminations | 1 |
| Did Not Qualify | 1 |
Stats by Season
| Year | Constructor | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Pts Finishes | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Privateer: Lotus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | DNQ | DNQ | 0 | 0 | Never classified |
