Robert Paul “Paul” Hawkins was an Australian racing driver whose talent shone brightest in sports car racing, where he became one of the most respected competitors of his era. Though he also raced in Formula One, it was behind the wheel of machines like the Ford GT40 and Lola T70 that he truly made his name. In 1969, he was recognised among the world’s elite when he was included on the FIA’s exclusive list of top-rated international drivers.
Driver Bio
| Nationality | Australian |
| Birthplace | Richmond, Australia |
| Born | 12 October 1937 |
| Died | 26 May 1969 |
| First Grand Prix | 1965 South African Grand Prix |
| Last Grand Prix | 1965 German Grand Prix |
| Years Active | 1965 |
| Current/Last Team | Privateer: Lotus |
Known universally as “Hawkeye,” Hawkins combined speed with a larger-than-life personality. The son of a motorcycle racer who later became a church minister, he was as colourful off the track as he was committed on it—and famously possessed a vocabulary to match.
Early career
Hawkins began racing in Australia in 1958, driving an Austin-Healey before heading to Europe in 1960 to pursue a professional career. Upon arriving in England, he found work with the Donald Healey Motor Company, where his mechanical skills and natural racing ability quickly stood out.
He soon moved into competition in Europe, winning his class at Aintree in 1960 in an Austin-Healey Sprite. That same year, he tackled the Nürburgring 1000 km, gaining valuable endurance racing experience in challenging conditions.
By the early 1960s, Hawkins was building a solid reputation. He competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times, including a class-winning performance in 1965 with John Rhodes in an Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite.
At the same time, he pursued single-seater racing, scoring a notable victory in the Formula Two Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring in 1965—further proof of his versatility.
Formula One appearances
Hawkins entered three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, making his debut at the 1965 South African Grand Prix in a Brabham. His best result was ninth place on debut, and while he did not score championship points, he did achieve podium finishes in non-championship events such as the Rand Grand Prix.
He also claimed victories at events such as the Rhodesian Grand Prix and the Cape South Easter Trophy, highlighting his competitiveness outside the World Championship.
One of the most memorable—and dramatic—moments of his career came at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1965. After spinning at the chicane, Hawkins’ car plunged into the harbour, making him one of only two drivers—alongside Alberto Ascari—to do so during a Grand Prix. Remarkably, he escaped unharmed, swimming to safety as his car sank beneath the surface.
Sports car success
Hawkins’ greatest achievements came in endurance racing, where he established himself as a world-class driver.
In 1967, he enjoyed a remarkable season:
- Victory at the Targa Florio with Rolf Stommelen in a Porsche 910
- Second place at the Nürburgring 1000 km
- Victory at the Zeltweg 500 km in a Ford GT40
- A win at the Paris 1000 km alongside Jacky Ickx
The following year brought further success. In 1968, Hawkins won the Monza 1000 km with David Hobbs in a Ford GT40, along with multiple podium finishes in major endurance races. He also claimed victory in the Cape Town Three Hours, driving a Ferrari P4 solo.
Final years and death
By 1969, Hawkins was not only racing but also building a business around his motorsport activities, running his own team operation.
Tragically, his career—and life—came to an abrupt end during the RAC Tourist Trophy at Oulton Park. Driving a Lola T70 MkIIIB, Hawkins crashed at high speed at Island Bend, and the car caught fire. He was killed in the accident.
His death shocked the racing world. Fellow competitor Mike Hailwood expressed disbelief that a driver of Hawkins’ skill and experience could be lost in such a way.
In an eerie coincidence (to that of Alberto Ascari), Hawkins, the only other man to have survived a plunge into the water at the Monaco Grand Prix, was killed on the same day, May 26, as Ascari.
Grand Prix Stats
| Race Entries | 3 |
| Race Starts | 3 |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Best Race Start | 14th |
| Best Race Finish | 9th |
| Retirements | 2 |
| First-Lap Retirements | 0 |
| Not Classified | 0 |
| Disqualified | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
Qualifying
| Qualifying Sessions | 3 |
| Reached Q3 | 0 |
| Q2 Eliminations | 0 |
| Q1 Eliminations | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
Stats by Season
| Year | Constructor | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Pts Finishes | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Privateer: Brabham / Privateer: Lotus | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 0 | 0 | NC |
Stats by Constructor
| Constructor | Years | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Pts Finishes | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privateer: Brabham | 1965 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Privateer: Lotus | 1965 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
Teammates & Qualifying Head-to-Head
| Teammate | Years | Races | Qualifying H2H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Gardner | 1965 | 1 | – |
| Bob Anderson | 1965 | 2 | – |
