He would have been 73 years old, a look back at Didier Pironi's three Formula 1 victories

On March 26, 1952, the man who almost became the first French world champion was born. Formula 1 Didier Pironi. He died in 1987 during a boat race in the United Kingdom and would have been 73 years old today.

His record isn't the most prolific in the history of the discipline, but it's enough to make him one of the greats of French Formula 1: 70 Grands Prix, five seasons, three victories, four pole positions. These figures, more than enough to induct him into the motorsport pantheon, didn't have time to expand further, however. The Frenchman's career came to a premature end at Hockenheim in 1982. Victim of an accident that crushed his legs, he never managed to make his return to the premier class.

Too often overlooked in the unofficial list of uncrowned champions, Didier Pironi left his mark on Formula 1. In his honor, we look back at the three victories of his Formula 1 career.

Zolder 1980: first success with Ligier

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The native of Villecresnes (Val-de-Marne) began his F1 adventure in 1978 with Tyrrell. A raw talent, his first two seasons were unsuccessful with a British team unable to compete with the best teams. However, all was not lost for the Frenchman, who honed his driving skills, made his debut, and built a reputation as a promising driver in the paddock.

For the 1980 season, it was finally the French team Ligier that attracted the young Frenchman's talent and the blond, blue-eyed boy settled in his new structure with clear ambitions. Last season, the blue cars were at the forefront and the Frenchman hoped to continue this dynamic during the coming season. Unfortunately, faced with the irresistible Williams-Ford of Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann, the JS11/15 of the French pair Laffite/Pironi are suffering and cannot keep up.

Only the Zolder circuit (Netherlands) smiled on the Val-de-Marne driver, as he managed to snatch his first Formula 4 victory on May 1980, 1. Second in qualifying, the Ligier driver got the better of the Williams of poleman Alan Jones. In total control of his machine, he brilliantly led the 72 laps of the Belgian circuit and crossed the finish line 47 seconds ahead of the man who would become world champion at the end of the season: Alan Jones.

San Marino 1982: Victorious betrayal

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Within the Scuderia, Didier Pironi was partnered with Canadian Gilles Villeneuve. During the 1981 season, the new Ferrari driver lost to his formidable teammate, who was able to snatch two victories despite a car inferior to those of the competition. Fully adapting to his new team, Didier Pironi was not affected by the comparison, as he maintained a healthy rivalry with the Quebecer. Off the track, they were friends.

However, the 1982 season proved to be quite different. Finally in full control of turbo technology, Ferrari returned to the forefront, even though it failed to secure a victory in the opening rounds of the season. It wasn't until the fourth round of the year, the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, that the Scuderia returned to winning ways.

In unprecedented conditions, with only 14 cars at the start of the Grand Prix due to a political war between FOCA (Formula One Constructor's Association) and FISA (International Federation of Automobile Sport), Ferrari found itself in an ideal position to win. Thus, in these unusual conditions, the two red cars were in the lead. While Gilles Villeneuve held first place, he lost it to his teammate, who attacked him despite Ferrari's instructions prohibiting changing positions. The rebellious Frenchman won ahead of the Quebecer.

For his second time on the top step of the podium, Didier Pironi is accompanied by a frustrated and disappointed Gilles Villeneuve. He cannot accept what he sees as a betrayal of the man he considered a friend.

Unfortunately, the teammates' reconciliation would never take place. During qualifying for the following Grand Prix, at the Zolder circuit in Belgium – where Didier Pironi had won his first victory two years earlier – Villeneuve came up against his teammate, who proved faster than the Canadian for the first time that season. Frustrated at not beating the man who had betrayed him, Jacques Villeneuve's father didn't slow down when his team asked him to return to the pits. He collided with another car during his deceleration lap and tragically died of his injuries.

Zandvoort 1982: in search of the title

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In Zandvoort for the 9th^e Grand Prix of the season, July 3, 1982, Pironi confirmed that his single-seater was getting more and more efficient as the races went on. Fourth in qualifying, the Frenchman managed to get rid of Nelson Piquet from the start (3^th), before tackling the Renault byAlain Prost then Rene Arnoux to race towards his third and final victory in Formula 1.

During a season of varied and extreme emotions, Didier Pironi took the lead in the Drivers' World Championship thanks to his success in the Netherlands. The ultimate title was within his grasp. He would be the first French driver in history to achieve it. But dreams were dashed at Hockenheim on August 7, 1982. It was the Val-de-Marne driver's final dance in Formula 1.

Like the late Gilles Villeneuve, tragedy struck during qualifying. In the torrential rain that fell on the German circuit, Didier Pironi, speeding along, was unable to distinguish Alain Prost's Renault. The Frenchman's Ferrari flew off after the impact, landing on its nose. Didier Pironi survived, but his legs were crushed. Still conscious, he begged doctors not to amputate. Although Enzo Ferrari himself had guaranteed him a seat upon his return, the 33 operations the Frenchman underwent were not enough to fully recover.

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