Tony Brooks, F1’s ‘racing dentist’, dies aged 90
Brooks, who was dubbed the ‘racing dentist’, won a total of six F1 world championship grands prix in the 1950s and came close to winning the 1959 world title.
Brooks was the last surviving grand prix winner from the 1950s following the death of Sir Stirling Moss in 2020.
His daughter Giulia announced he had passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday.
Brooks was regarded as one of the best F1 drivers of his era, with only Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari and Moss winning more races.
He participated in a total of 39 world championship grands prix for BRM, Vanwall, Ferrari and non-works Cooper between 1956 and 1961, achieving 10 podiums and 75 career points alongside his six wins.
Before he took runner-up spot in the 1959 world drivers’ championship with Ferrari, Brooks also finished third the previous year with Vanwall.
Born in Dukinfield, Cheshire in 1932, Brooks, retired from racing at the age of 29 after a six-year grand prix career.
Paying tribute to Brooks in a statement, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "I was saddened to hear the news that Tony Brooks has died.
"He was part of a special group of drivers who were pioneers and pushed the boundaries at a time of great risk.
"He will be missed and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Goodwood Revival also paid tribute to Brooks in a statement: "We are sad to announce the passing of Tony Brooks, the last surviving Grand Prix winner from the 1950s.
We are sad to announce the passing of Tony Brooks, the last surviving Grand Prix winner from the 1950s. Known as the 'Racing Dentist', he was one of the greatest drivers never to have been World Champion despite six GP wins. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/b2rYu2sDDx
— Goodwood Road&Racing (@GoodwoodRRC) May 3, 2022
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