Hermano da Silva Ramos, the oldest Formula 1 driver in the world, has died at 100 years old

Born in Paris on December 7, 1925, Hermano da Silva Ramos had competed in seven Grand Prix of Formula 1 in 1955 and 1956 driving a Gordini. His best result remains a fifth place at the 1956 Monaco Grand Prix, which earned him two championship points—a notable performance on the streets of the Principality in a Gordini Type 16. His last participation was in the 1956 Italian Grand Prix, where an engine problem forced him to retire after only three laps. Outside of Formula 1, he also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia, the great Italian road classic.

The Franco-Brazilian became the oldest living Formula 1 driver on April 8, 2023, following the death of Kenneth McAlpine at the age of 102 — the longest-living driver to have participated in the Formula 1 World Championship. Only two other drivers had reached the age of 100: McAlpine himself and the German Paul Pietsch (100 years old), who had competed in three Grands Prix between 1950 and 1952. At his death, the title of oldest of the former F1 drivers now belongs to the Briton John Rhodes, winner of only one race — the 1965 British Grand Prix — and aged 98 at the time of Hermano da Silva Ramos' death.

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