Peter Gethin

The sad news was announced today of the death of Peter Gethin, Formula 1 driver of the early 1970s, at the age of 71.

Peter was of course best known for his victory in the extraordinary 1971 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, possibly the most exhilarating race in F1 history.  He led home a howling pack of cars driven by Ronnie Peterson and Francois Cevert, amongst others, in what was for many years thereafter the fastest race in the history of the World Championship.

As he crossed the finishing line that day at Monza, mere feet ahead of the pack, Peter had the presence of mind to raise his arm in triumph, just in case there was any doubt about the result in those days prior to the advent of full electronic timing!

The rest of his F1 career could not hope to match the giddy heights of Monza, but he did win a couple of non-championship events, including memorably beating the F1 stars in his F5000 Chevron in the 1973 Race of Champions.

In addition to his F1 exploits, Peter had success in F5000 in both Europe and the Antipodes, as well as in Can-Am racing.

Following his retirement from driving, he remained involved in the sport, becoming involved in team management, including with the Toleman Formula 1 team in 1984.  This meant that he had to deal with a certain Ayrton Senna da Silva.  A contractual dispute meant that the Brazilian was prevented from competing at Monza that year, and there is some famous footage of Peter and Ayrton debating matters in the paddock.

Condolences go to Peter's family and friends.