Robert Manzon, The last surviving driver of the inaugural Formula 1 season in 1950, has died aged 97.
The Frenchman, who took part in 28 Grand Prix between 1950 to 1956 and twice finished on the podium, died at his home on the south of France.
Manzon, who was one of the founders of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Club, raced for Simca Gordini in Formula 1, debuting at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, before scoring his first points in that seasons French Grand Prix at Reims-Gueux.
He took his first podium finish with a third place during the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix, and matched that result in the 1954 French Grand Prix. He scored a total of sixteen points during his Formula 1 career, which ended after a retirement in the 1956 Italian Grand Prix.
His death means that every driver who raced during the 1950 season has now died, with the championship being won by Italian Giuseppe Farini for Alfa Romeo.
The Checkered Flag extends our sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Manzon in this sad time.
