Mario Andretti Pays Tribute To “Proper Racer” Jochen Mass In Heartfelt Post
May 5, 2025
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Former Formula 1 world champion and racing legend Mario Andretti has shared a moving tribute to German driver Jochen Mass, who passed away on May 4, 2025, at the age of 78.
Mass’s family released the following statement to share the news:
“Today we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and a racing legend.
“Beyond mourning his death, we also celebrate his incredible life. A life that he loved sharing with all of you. A life that he lived to the absolute fullest. He is racing with all his friends again.”
Former race car driver Mario Andretti listens during a news conference on May 01, 2024 in Washington, DC. Rep. John James (R-MI) hosted Andretti on Capitol Hill to respond to the Formula 1 management denying… Former race car driver Mario Andretti listens during a news conference on May 01, 2024 in Washington, DC. Rep. John James (R-MI) hosted Andretti on Capitol Hill to respond to the Formula 1 management denying his family and General Motors the opportunity to join the global motorsports series.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Andretti has since shared a touching tribute on social media, writing:
“R.I.P. Jochen Mass. A proper racer, great competitor and truly one of the good guys in our world. My sincere condolences to his family and to those who loved him; please know that we fellow racers loved him too.”
R.I.P. Jochen Mass. A proper racer, great competitor and truly one of the good guys in our world. My sincere condolences to his family and to those who loved him; please know that we fellow racers loved him too. https://t.co/bXtPhger08
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) May 5, 2025
Andretti and Mass both raced in Formula 1 in the 1970s.
Mass was a celebrated figure in motorsport. He raced in multiple disciplines including Formula 1 and endurance racing.
His F1 journey began in 1973 with Surtees. Throughout his nine-season stint in F1 he also raced for McLaren, ATS, Arrows, and March. He entered 114 Grands Prix, had 105 starts, celebrated 8 podium finishes, and 71 championship points. The 1975 Spanish Grand Prix saw his sole F1 victory, which he won with McLaren.
Mass’s greatest success came in endurance racing. He competed for the likes of Ford, Martini, Porsche, Sauber, and Price. The highlight of his endurance racing career was in 1989 when he won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens, driving the Sauber C9.
After retiring from competitive racing, Mass remained in the motorsport arena as a F1 co-commentator for German broadcaster RTL from 1993 to 1997. He also held the role of Mercedes ambassador and regularly made appearances as top motorsport events such as Goodwood Festival of Speed. He was also known for mentoring young drivers, including F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Our thoughts are with Mass’s family during this time.
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