Mercedes pay tribute to motorsport legend after sad passing

Mercedes has paid tribute to motorsport legend Hans Herrmann, who sadly died on Friday aged 97.

Herrmann is one of motorsport’s most enduring and versatile figures, enjoying a career that spanned more than three decades at the highest levels of racing. 

Born in Stuttgart in 1928, Herrmann began his career with Mercedes-Benz in the early 1950s, competing in Formula 1, sports cars and endurance racing. 

He earned a reputation for speed, consistency and remarkable survival, famously escaping several serious accidents early in his career, which earned him the nickname "Hans im Glück" ("Lucky Hans").

Herrmann achieved notable success with Porsche, including a class victory at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana in the iconic 550 Spyder. 

His greatest triumph came in 1970, when he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving the Porsche 917K, Porsche’s first overall victory at the legendary race. He retired shortly after, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany’s most respected racing drivers and a key figure in Porsche’s motorsport history.

He was a major figure for both Mercedes and Porsche, with the latter running a special livery in his honour at this weekend's Mexico City Formula E.

"It is with great gratitude that we remember Hans Herrmann, an outstanding racing driver who had a decisive influence on the history of Mercedes-Benz”, Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH.

"As part of the legendary Silver Arrows racing team in the mid-1950s, he impressed with his speed and mastery in races.

"His likeable charisma and his passion for motorsport made him very popular with fans and fellow drivers alike.

"After his active career, Hans Herrmann remained closely associated with our brand as a representative of Mercedes-Benz Heritage and helped to preserve the heritage of our vehicles."