Formula 1 Legend Sir Jack Brabham Has Died At 88

Formula 1 lost a true legend of the sport on Monday morning after Sir Jack Brabham passed away at the age of 88.

"Black Jack" - as he was nicknamed - made his F1 debut at the 1955 British Grand Prix after previously working as a mechanic at the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War and after competing in midget racing and hillclimbs in his native Australia.

After moving to the UK to pursue a career in Formula 1, he took his first victory at the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix - driving for Cooper - and won the 1959 and 1960 world titles. He left at the end of 1961 to set up his own outfit, Brabham Racing Organisation. The team revealed its first car, the BT3, mid-way through the 1962 season.

After a slow start, he became the first driver to win the title at the wheel of his own car - something that will probably never be matched - in 1966. He retired in 1970 at the age of 44 and sold his half of the team to co-owner Ron Tauranac shortly after.

Brabham was knighted in 1979. His three sons have found success in motorsport and two of his grandsons are currently building their own racing careers. His youngest son David said in a statement:

"It’s a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind."