Paul Pietsch becomes the only living Formula 1 driver to reach the age of 100 – Formula 1 news
Former Formula 1 driver Paul Pietsch recently became the first living Formula 1 driver to reach the age of 100 years on June 20, 2011.
Paul was a part of the sport for 3 years from 1950 – 1952 when he drove for team Maserati for 2 years before joining Alfa Romeo for a short period of time. Then in his final year in the sport in 1952, Pietsch joined Veritas but ironically, he drove for 1
race per year in the sport.
During his time in Formula 1, he was unable to secure a single point but becoming a part of the sport is quite an achievement since it is one of the most watched and followed Motorsports of the world.
“I wanted to race again. We had to get the funding somehow, by selling something. I said to myself that I could sell my knowledge about motor racing,” Pietsch told the media.
Pietsch was one of the youngest racers on the track during his time and unfortunately, he was unable to continue his Formula 1 journey due to financial issues.
The sport was not as technological and safe as it is right now and during that time, racing was very risky since there were not much safety regulations in place.
Nevertheless, Paul was born on June 20, 1911 in Germany and is a very well known investor of the “Auto Motor und Sport” magazine which originates from Germany as well.
He still believes that he is not old and recently stated that he does not want a walking stick or a hearing aid even though he needs them now.
Comparing both eras in which Pietsch raced and the one we have around us these days makes us think that a lot has changed and drivers of present times have a much more complex job at their hands with all the technological advancements. Nevertheless, the
sport has evolved a great extent and has become much safer than yesteryears.
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