Philippe Streiff has died

La Formula 1 Frenchwoman is in mourning again. Just a few weeks after the disappearance of Patrick Tambay, his former comrade Philippe Streiff died.

Born June 26, 1955 in La Tronche (Isère), Streiff won the Volant Motul in 1977. He then distinguished himself during the French Formula Championship Renault 1978 where he finished 5th with 6 podiums including 1 victory. The same year, he took part in his first 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event where he scored two overall podiums during his career (1981 and 1984).

Passed to the level of Formula 3 in 1979, he became French champion in the specialty in 1981 after finishing 2nd then 3rd the first two seasons. That same year, he also finished 2nd in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of a Rondeau M379C which he shared with Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jacky Haran.

In 1982, Philippe Streiff teamed up with Pascal Fabre under the colors of Automobiles Gonfaronnaises Sportives (AGS). “ AGS did not have the same resources as the Ralt-Honda or March-BMW factory teams, Philippe reminded us during a recent interview. It was David against Goliath. In 1982, we had ups and downs, because it was difficult for us with our Mader BMWs against the factory engines. »

Only 3rd in Vallelunga (Italy) and 15th in the championship, Fabre will not keep his place, unlike Streiff who finished 6th in the championship with two podiums. AGS will make history in the final season of the F2In 1984.

At the wheel of the JH19C in Elf-Gitanes colors, Streiff signs the race of his life at Brands Hatch (United Kingdom): “ It was a chassis circuit and the AGS had a good one, but the deciding factor was the Michelin tires, which were always superior in the rain » had rewound the Grenoblois.

Fifth on the grid, Streiff moved up to 2nd behind the Ralt of Roberto Moreno when the rain appeared, causing the race to be stopped: “ At the second start, I found myself on the front row next to Moreno, I took the lead straight away and I won. On Monday morning, I received a phone call from Gérard Larrousse offering me the opportunity to start in F1 at the Portuguese GP in a third Renault. ».

AGS will have less success in F3000, with a JH20 with a carbon shell and Cosworth V8 engine. The 1985 season was disappointing, with Streiff unable to do better than 3rd in Zandvoort (Netherlands) and 8th in the championship. At the same time, he did several F1 stints with Ligier and Tyrrell.

At the 1985 Australian Grand Prix, Streiff took what would be his only podium in Formula 1 for the debut of the premier class on the streets of Adelaide. Then racing under the Ligier colors, he finished 3rd in a race won by Keke Rosberg (Williams) in front of his teammate Jacques Laffite (Ligier).

Streiff then returned to Tyrrell where he played the entire 1986 and 1987 seasons, with a few points finishes.

Streiff's valiant efforts with the JH23 will not be rewarded / © DPPI

In 1988, Streiff found AGS who was preparing to experience the best season of his short stint in Formula 1, with the elegant JH23. The construction of a factory on the Luc circuit is planned, but in the meantime, the modest Gonfaron workshops must be enlarged to accommodate the 18 employees. 

Streiff had two splendid races in Detroit (USA) and Montreal (Canada): qualified 10th, he competed with Piquet's Lotus before being betrayed each time by his suspension. He finished 10th in Imola (Italy), 9th in Estoril (Portugal) and 8th in Suzuka (Japan), these results outside the points not reflecting the level of the team. 

On March 15, 1989, Streiff suffered a terrible accident during a private test session organized on the Brazilian circuit of Jacarapegua in Rio de Janeiro. If he survives the shock, the Frenchman becomes quadriplegic.

Struck by destiny, the Isérois did not let himself be defeated and soon launched a competition of karting indoor which will become the famous Paris-Bercy Masters. An event which featured active pilots and personalities and whose 1993 edition brought together one last time Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna is a motorsport legend.

In addition to his involvement in motorsport, Streiff is also active in politics. The former F1 driver will have held various technical advisory roles to advance road safety and improve the situation of people with disabilities.

All AUTO editorialhebdo extends its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Philippe Streiff.

Philippe Streiff left us this Friday, December 23.

The former French F1 driver was particularly involved with determination in improving the living conditions of people with disabilities.

The FFSA has a heartfelt thought for its family and loved ones 🖤🕊 pic.twitter.com/epAm5SatXp

— FFSA (@FFSportAuto) December 24, 2022