Neville Lederle was a South African racing driver who competed in Formula One during the early 1960s. He was born in Theunissen and educated at St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein.
Driver Bio
| Nationality | South African |
| Birthplace | Theunissen, South Africa |
| Born | 25 September 1938 |
| Died | 17 May 2019 |
| First Grand Prix | 1962 South African Grand Prix |
| Last Grand Prix | 1965 South African Grand Prix |
| Years Active | 1962, 1965 |
| Current/Last Team | Privateer: Lotus |
Formula One career
Lederle began his racing career in regional South African events before stepping up to Formula One machinery in 1961, driving a Lotus 18 powered by a Ford engine.
His early outings included a retirement in the Rand Grand Prix (1961) and 14th place in the Cape Grand Prix (1962).
Breakthrough in 1962
Later in 1962, Lederle upgraded to a Lotus 21 fitted with a Climax engine. This proved to be a turning point in his career.
He achieved strong results in domestic races; 5th at the Rand Grand Prix and 4th at the Natal Grand Prix
These performances earned him a place in the South African Grand Prix, part of the World Championship.
In his debut World Championship race, Lederle finished 6th, scoring one championship point—a notable achievement for a privateer driver.
Injury and later career
In 1963, Lederle suffered a serious setback when he broke his leg during practice for the Rand 9 Hours. The injury forced him to miss much of the 1964 season.
He returned later that year, finishing 10th in the Rand Grand Prix. However, he narrowly failed to qualify for the South African Grand Prix.
Following this disappointment, Lederle effectively retired from racing.
Life after racing
After leaving motorsport, Lederle focused on business ventures, including operating a Volkswagen dealership.
Death
Neville Lederle died on 17 May 2019 at his home in Knysna.
Although his Formula One career was brief, Lederle’s achievement of scoring a championship point as a private entrant stands out. He remains one of a small group of South African drivers who successfully competed at the top level during the sport’s early decades.
Grand Prix Stats
| Race Entries | 2 |
| Race Starts | 1 |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Best Race Start | 10th |
| Best Race Finish | 6th |
| Retirements | 0 |
| First-Lap Retirements | 0 |
| Not Classified | 0 |
| Disqualified | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 1 |
Qualifying
| Qualifying Sessions | 2 |
| Reached Q3 | 0 |
| Q2 Eliminations | 0 |
| Q1 Eliminations | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 1 |
Points
| Points Scored | 1 |
| Points Finishes | 1 |
| Most Points in a Single Season | 1 |
| Seasons with Points | 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 18th |
| 1965 | Privateer: Lotus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | NC |
