Formula One racing legend Sir Jack Brabham died early this morning at his home in the Gold Coast, on Australia’s east coast. The 88-year-old is said to have passed away peacefully although he had been in ill-health for some time.
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Brabham, the first driver to be knighted for services to motorsport, was one of the most accomplished drivers and team owners in the history of F1. He won the Drivers’ titles in 1959, 1960 and 1966—the latter was earned while Brabham was driving for his own team and is likely to remain the only time in history that an F1 driver wins behind the wheel of a car bearing his own name. The Brabham team also took home the Constructors’ title in ’66 as well as the following year.
Brabham is survived by his wife Lady Margaret and sons Geoff, Gary and David. He also leaves a motorsport legacy behind. His sons Geoff, Gary and David followed him into the sport with great success: Geoff and David have competed in sports car racing and have both won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Geoff's son Matthew won his first Indy Lights race here in the U.S. recently, while David's son Sam is racing in the British Formula Ford series.
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"It's a very sad day for all of us,” Brabham’s youngest son David said in a statement. “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."
