Scottish · Kilmany, Fife, Scotland · Born 4 March 1936Scottish Formula 1 racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time, known for his exceptional skill and smooth driving style.
James Clark Jr. was born in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland in 1936 and grew up on his family's Edington Mains farm in the Scottish Borders. He made his Formula 1 debut in 1960 and won two World Championships (1963, 1965) with Team Lotus under Colin Chapman. He won 25 Grands Prix from 72 starts — a win percentage of 34.7% that no driver has matched over a comparable career. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 1965 — the first driver to win both the Formula 1 championship and the Indy 500 in the same year. Every contemporary who raced against him — Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart — described him as the most naturally gifted driver they had ever seen. His car control appeared effortless in an era when Formula 1 cars were genuinely dangerous. He died at Hockenheim in April 1968 during a Formula 2 race when his car went off the track — the cause was never conclusively established. He was 32 years old. His death prompted Jackie Stewart's campaign for improved safety standards that transformed the sport over the following decade.
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion and versatile racing driver
He is the only driver ever to win both the Formula 1 World Championship and the Indianapolis 500 in the same year — 1965.
Did You Know?How They Played
Smooth, natural driving style with exceptional car control
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest F1 drivers ever, first to win F1 title and Indy 500 in same year
Career Honours
- F1 World Champion 1963 1965
- Indianapolis 500 1965
- 25 F1 victories