German racing driver who won the 1927 German Grand Prix and was one of the first drivers to compete in the European Championship.
Erwin Bauer, a German Formula One driver, is best known for his impressive performance in the 1954 1000km Nürburgring, where he drove an undermatched Lotus to a remarkable fourth place, earning Lotus one of its earliest successes. This remarkable feat made him a household name in the racing world.
Bauer's racing career was filled with thrills and spills. In April 1953, he co-drove a Porsche 356 Super 1500 with Hans Herrmann at the Mille Miglia, finishing in the 30th position. His sole Formula One World Championship race came in 1953 at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where he qualified 33rd and made it onto the second lap before his engine expired.
Tragedy struck on June 3, 1958, when Bauer was killed in a 2-litre sports Ferrari at the Nürburgring racetrack. In a heartbreaking mistake, he failed to realize he had passed the chequered flag and continued racing, ultimately crashing fatally on what was supposed to be his slowing-down lap.
Erwin Bauer's fearless spirit and impressive driving skills left an indelible mark on the world of Formula One racing. His untimely death was a shock to the racing community, but his legacy lives on as an inspiration to future generations of drivers.
| Year | Grand Prix | Car | Grid | Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | German Grand Prix | Veritas | 33rd | DNF |
Erwin Bauer's life was marked by his passion for racing and his determination to push himself to the limit. Though his career was cut short, his legend lives on in the world of Formula One.
Born in 1909
A German racing legend who dominated the European racing scene in the 1930s, winning numerous Grand Prix and hill climb events. He was a Mercedes-Benz team driver during the Golden Age of motor racing.
Born in 1901
A pioneering Formula One driver who dominated the sport in the 1930s, winning three European Drivers' Championships and earning the nickname "The Regenmeister" for his exceptional skills in rainy conditions.
Born in 1909
A pioneering racing driver who won three consecutive European Driving Championships from 1936 to 1938, and tragically died at the age of 28 while attempting to break the world land speed record.
Born in 1906
Designed iconic Mercedes-Benz cars, including the 300SL Gullwing, and was a pioneering engineer in the development of high-performance vehicles.
Born in 1875
Designed iconic sports cars, including the Volkswagen Beetle, and founded a legendary company that bears his name, synonymous with speed and luxury.
Born in 1910
German racing legend and Mercedes-Benz team manager, known for his impressive racing career and instrumental role in shaping the brand's motorsport success.
