Le Mans winner and former Lotus F1 driver Johnny Dumfries dies

1988 Le Mans 24 Hours winner and former Lotus Formula 1 driver Johnny Dumfries has died aged 62.

Full name John Crichton-Stuart, the 7th marquess of Bute, passed away at the age of 62 following a short illness, his family confirmed on Monday.

Racing under his nom de plume Dumfries, he enjoyed a sensational 1984 season in Formula 3, claiming 14 victories on his way to the championship title, ultimately paving the way for his F1 debut in 1986.

Dumfries contested 16 races during a single season as Ayrton Senna’s teammate at John Player Team Lotus and managed a best result of fifth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After being dropped by Lotus for the following season, Dumfries turned his attention to sportscar racing and joined the Jaguar Le Mans squad. Alongside Jan Lammers and Andy Wallace, he triumphed to outright victory at the 1988 Le Mans 24 Hours.

In later life, Crichton-Stuart returned to his namesake Scottish island to run his ancestral family residence, Mount Stuart, carrying out the role of chairman of the board of Mount Stuart Trust since 2005 until his death.

“The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family,” a family statement read.

“His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time. Johnny chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust from its active inauguration in 2005 when Mount Stuart and its gardens opened to the public, and its rural estate was vested into the charitable trust.

“He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.

“His island projects include the internationally respected Bute Fabrics and, most recently, the Kerrylamont Centre for Rural Excellence and Bute Yard. He was a philanthropist through his foundation, particularly focusing on Scotland and the West Coast.

“His family request privacy at this time.”

Crash.net sends its condolences to Johnny Dumfries’ family.