LONDON — Sir Stirling Moss, a winner of 15 Grands Prix and a Formula One legend, has died after a lengthy illness. He was 90 years old.
Moss competed in 66 Grands Prix from 1951 to 1961, earning 15 victories. He won the Monaco Grand Prix three times in 1956, ’60 and ’61. He finished second in the Formula One standings four consecutive seasons from 1955 to ’58, but failed to claim the championship.
He also became the first British driver to win the British Grand Prix when he earned his first F-1 victory in 1955 at the Aintree Circuit in Liverpool, England.
Aside from his career in Formula One, Moss is considered one of the top racers of his generation. He is credited with earning 212 victories during his short career, including a class victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring, a victory in Italy’s Mille Miglia road race and a triumph in France’s 12 Hours of Reims. He also set several land speed records.
Moss’ career ended in 1962 following a violent crash during the Glover Trophy event at Goodwood. The crash left Moss in a coma for a month and for six months after that the left side of his body was partially paralyzed. He tested for Lotus in 1963, but retired following the test.
He attempted a comeback in 1980-81 in the British Saloon Car Championship, but retired again following the 1981 season. He continued to race historic cars and in legends events until the age of 81. He retired from public life in 2018 following several health issues.
Moss was made a Knight Bachelor in his home country of England for his services to motor racing in 2000. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and is a recipient of the Seagrave Trophy.