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Graham Hill's F1 History: 1958-1975

Graham Hill, born on February 15, 1929, in Hampstead, London, was a British racing driver who competed in Formula One for nearly two decades. During his career, he won two World Championships, numerous races, and became a fan favourite due to his charismatic personality and impressive driving skills.

1958-1962: Lotus

Hill began his Formula One career in 1958, racing for Lotus. He had a successful run with the team, earning his first Grand Prix win in the 1962 Dutch Grand Prix. During this time, Hill also competed in sports car racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1962.

1963-1964: BRM

In 1963, Hill made a move to British Racing Motors (BRM). He had a successful season, winning his first World Championship and finishing on the podium in eight out of ten races. He repeated his success in 1964, winning the championship for the second time.

1965-1967: BRM and Lotus

From 1965 to 1967, Hill split his time between BRM and Lotus. He continued to have success during this time, winning the 1965 Monaco Grand Prix and finishing on the podium in several other races.

1968-1969: Lotus

In 1968, Hill returned to Lotus full-time. He had a successful season, finishing on the podium in several races, including a win at the 1968 Spanish Grand Prix. He continued to race with Lotus in 1969, but had a less successful season, failing to finish in the top three in any race.

1970-1975: Embassy Hill

In 1970, Hill started his own team, Embassy Hill, with the help of several backers. Despite facing financial difficulties, Hill had a successful season, finishing on the podium in several races. However, he was unable to win a race with his own team. Hill continued to race with Embassy Hill until his retirement in 1975. Although he did not achieve any major victories during this time, he remained a fan favourite due to his racing style and his charismatic personality.

Why Graham Hill is a Fan Favourite

Hill was known for his charismatic personality and his sense of humour, which endeared him to fans around the world. He was also a talented driver, with a smooth driving style that earned him the nickname "Mr. Smooth." In addition to his success on the track, Hill was also known for his humanitarian efforts. He was a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund and the Save the Children Fund, and was known to use his racing platform to raise awareness for social issues.

Records and Milestones

Hill holds a number of records and milestones in Formula One, including the following: He is the only driver to have won the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which includes the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500. He is one of only five drivers to have won the World Championship and the Indianapolis 500. He is the only driver to have won the Monaco Grand Prix three times in a row (1963-1965).

Conclusion

Graham Hill's career in Formula One was marked by success, charisma, and a commitment to social issues. He remains a beloved figure in the world of motorsport, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of drivers and fans.