Died

Michele Alboreto

Italian

  • Milan, Italy Place of Birth
  • 23 December 1956 Date of Birth
  • 1981 San Marino Grand Prix F1 Debut
  • Minardi Current/Last Team

Michele Alboreto, born on December 23, 1956, in Milan, Italy, enjoyed a distinguished racing career spanning over four decades. His journey began in 1977 in European Formula 3, where he quickly made a mark by clinching the championship two years later.

NationalityItalian
BornMichele Alboreto
23 December 1956
Milan, Italy
Died25 April 2001 (aged 44)
EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Germany

In 1981, Alboreto’s entry into Formula 1 with Tyrrell marked a significant milestone. His talent shone brightly as he secured his maiden Grand Prix win the following season at the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas, followed by another win at the 1982 Detroit Grand Prix, establishing himself as a respected driver on the grid.

A pivotal move to Ferrari in 1984 saw Michele reaffirming his promise, claiming three victories and finishing second in the 1985 World Drivers Championship, narrowly trailing Alain Prost in the McLaren.

Ferrari’s president, Luca Montezemolo, acknowledged Alboreto’s invaluable contributions, praising his technical acumen and unwavering passion for racing upon hearing of his passing in 2001.

After stints with various teams, including Tyrrell, Larousse, Lola, Arrows, Footwork, and Minardi, Alboreto retired from Formula 1, exploring new race series, including touring cars and the Indy Racing League before finding success in sports car racing.

In 1997, he triumphed at Le Mans alongside Stefan Johansson and Tom Kristensen, solidifying his legacy as a formidable racer. Michele’s association with Audi Sport’s factory works team saw him dominating with the R8, with victories at prestigious events like the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Tragically, Alboreto met his demise while testing an Audi R8 sportscar at the Lausitzring in eastern Germany, succumbing to a high-speed tyre failure.

Michele Alboreto Formula One World Championship career

F1 Career1981–1994
TeamsTyrrell, Ferrari, Larrousse, Arrows, Footwork, Scuderia Italia, Minardi
Entries215 (194 starts)
Championships0
Wins5
Podiums23
Career points186.5
Pole positions2
Fastest laps5
First entry1981 San Marino Grand Prix
First win1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix
Last win1985 German Grand Prix
Last entry1994 Australian Grand Prix

Sources: Wikipedia.com and historicracing.com

Teammates

Driver Nationality Current/Last Team F1 Debut Status
American Arrows 1978 Argentine Grand Prix Retired
French Ligier 1978 South African Grand Prix Retired
Swedish Footwork Arrows 1980 Argentine Grand Prix Retired
Austrian Benetton 1984 Austrian Grand Prix Retired
French McLaren 1984 Brazilian Grand Prix Retired
Italian Minardi 1984 Italian Grand Prix Retired

Teams

Team Nationality Debut Season Status
Tyrrell British 1970 Historic
Ferrari Italian 1950 Current
Arrows British 1978 Historic
Footwork Arrows British 1991 Historic
Minardi Italian 1985 Historic