Albert François Cevert

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Albert François Cevert, born on February 25, 1944, in Paris, France, was a promising Formula 1 driver whose career and life were tragically cut short. Before venturing into motorsport, Cevert pursued a career in music, showing a keen interest in playing the piano and saxophone. However, his path changed when he discovered his passion for racing.

Family Background

Cevert was the son of Charles Goldenberg, a jeweler, and Huguette Cevert. His father, a Russian-Jewish immigrant, had moved to France to escape persecution. During World War II, Charles joined the French Resistance to avoid deportation. To avoid attention, François and his siblings were registered with their mother’s surname, Cevert.

Entry into Motorsport

Cevert began his racing career in motorcycles, participating in various events across France. His transition to car racing came after completing his military service. In 1966, he enrolled in the Winfield Racing School at Magny-Cours, where his talent quickly became apparent. Winning the Volant Shell scholarship at the school was a turning point, providing him with an Alpine Formula Three car for his first season in Formula 3.

Albert François Cevert

Formula 3 Success and Move to Formula 2

Cevert’s initial foray into Formula 3 was challenging due to a lack of funds and experience. However, his fortunes changed in 1968. With better sponsorship and a switch to a Tecno car, he started to win races, ultimately clinching the French Formula 3 Championship. This victory opened doors for him in Formula 2, where he competed for Tecno and finished third in the European championship in 1969.

Stepping into Formula 1

Cevert’s Formula 1 debut came in 1970, with Ken Tyrrell choosing him as Jackie Stewart’s teammate at Tyrrell Racing Organisation. His first season in F1 was modest, but in 1971, Cevert’s talent began to shine. He secured his first F1 victory at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, making him only the second Frenchman to win a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix.

Rise to Prominence in Formula 1

Cevert continued to excel in Formula 1 over the next two years. In 1972, he finished in the points several times, including two second-place finishes. The following year, Cevert achieved six second-place finishes and was positioned as a leading contender for the 1974 season.

Albert François Cevert
Laps Led per Season: Shows the number of laps Cevert led in each of his F1 seasons.

The Promising 1973 Season and Tragic End

In 1973, Cevert consistently finished in second place and was second in the general classification behind Jackie Stewart. With Stewart’s retirement announcement, Cevert was poised to become Tyrrell’s team leader and a potential contender for the world title.

Unfortunately, his career was cut short during practice for the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. Cevert was involved in a fatal accident, passing away at the age of 29. His death was a significant loss to the racing world, cutting short a career that many believed would lead to a Formula One World Championship.

Cevert’s racing style, characterized by its elegance and effectiveness, left a lasting impression. He remains a revered figure in the racing community, remembered for his talent and the potential he demonstrated during his short but impactful Formula One career.

For more details on François Cevert’s career and legacy, please visit www.formula1review.com.

General Overview

Born: February 25, 1944, Paris, France
Died: October 6, 1973, Watkins Glen, USA (Aged 29)
Nationality: French

Formula 1 Career Summary

First Grand Prix: Netherlands 1970
Last Grand Prix: Canada 1973
Total Seasons: 4 (1970 – 1973)
Teams: March (1970), Tyrrell (1971 – 1973)
Total Grand Prix: 46
No Starts: 1

Performance Metrics

Wins: 1 (Winning Percentage: 2.17%)
Podiums: 13 (Podium Finish Percentage: 28.26%)
Pole Positions: 0
Fastest Laps: 2 (Percentage: 4.35%)
Points Scored: 89
Points per Grand Prix: 1.93
Average Points per Season: 22.25
Laps Led: 129
Kilometers Led: 560
Total Laps Raced: 2,370
Total Kilometers Raced: 11,608
Retirements: 15 (Retirement Rate: 32.61%)

Championship Standing

Best World Championship Position: 3rd (1971)

Starting Grid and Finishing Positions

Average Starting Grid Position: 8.72
Average Finishing Position: 5.03

Notable Achievements

1971 United States Grand Prix Winner: Cevert’s sole F1 victory came at Watkins Glen, a defining moment in his career.
Significant Podium Finishes: Regularly finishing in the top 3 during the 1971 season, highlighting his consistency and potential as a top-tier driver.

Albert François Cevert Kilometers Raced per Season: Illustrates the total distance raced by Cevert each season in kilometers.

François Cevert is remembered for his promising talent and the potential to be a World Champion. His untimely death at Watkins Glen was not only a tragedy for his family and team but also a significant loss for the Formula 1 community. Cevert’s grace on the track, coupled with his competitive spirit, left a lasting legacy in the sport.

For a comprehensive overview of François Cevert’s Formula 1 journey and impact on the sport, visit www.formula1review.com.