Chris Amon: The Ill-Fated F1 Driver with a Legacy of Near Misses

A Formula One Enigma

Chris Amon, a New Zealand motor racing driver, is widely regarded as one of the best F1 drivers never to win a championship Grand Prix. His reputation for bad luck was such that fellow driver Mario Andretti once joked that if he became an undertaker, people would stop dying.

Early Life and Racing Beginnings

Born on July 20, 1943, in Bulls, New Zealand, Amon was the only child of wealthy sheep owners Ngaio and Betty Amon. He developed a passion for driving at a young age, learning to drive at six and competing in minor local races and hillclimbs with his Austin A40 Special. Amon's talent soon caught the attention of Scuderia Veloce, who entered him in a Cooper-Climax T51, the same car that Bruce McLaren had used to win his maiden Grand Prix.

Racing Career: A Series of Near Misses

Amon's Formula One career spanned from 1963 to 1976, during which he drove for several prominent teams, including Ferrari, Lotus, and Matra. Despite his exceptional driving skills, Amon's career was plagued by mechanical failures, accidents, and bad luck. He finished second four times and third three times, but a championship win remained elusive.

Testing Genius and Sports Car Success

Amon's exceptional testing skills earned him the respect of his peers and team managers. Former Ferrari Technical Director Mauro Forghieri stated that Amon was by far the best test driver he had ever worked with. In sports car racing, Amon teamed up with Bruce McLaren to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Team Owner and Later Life

In 1974, Amon ventured into team ownership, establishing Chris Amon Racing. Although the team's stint in Formula One was short-lived, Amon continued to participate in motorsport, competing in touring car and GT events. After retiring from racing, Amon returned to his native New Zealand, where he remained involved in the motorsport community until his passing on August 3, 2016.

Legacy and Impact

Chris Amon's legacy extends beyond his racing achievements. He is remembered as a true gentleman of motorsport, who, despite his unfortunate string of near misses, remained humble and dedicated to his craft. Amon's story serves as a reminder that, in the high-stakes world of motorsport, even the most talented drivers can fall victim to bad luck.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Amon was known for his exceptional car control, which earned him the nickname "The Flying Kiwi."
• He was a skilled engineer and helped develop several racing cars, including the iconic Ferrari 312.
• Amon's family farm, where he learned to drive, is still operational today.

Inspirational Quotes

"I think I've been very, very lucky to have had the opportunities I've had, and I've had some amazing experiences." - Chris Amon