Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, triple Formula 1 World Champion, has died at the age of 88. Sir Jack passed away peacefully at his Gold Coast, Australia, home on Monday morning.

Formula 1 World Champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966 and double Constructors’ Champion (1966 and 1967), Sir Jack was one of the most accomplished drivers and team owners in the history of the sport. The first driver to be knighted for services to motorsport, ‘Black Jack’ rose from racing midgets on dirt ovals in Australia to dominate global motorsport.

His first two titles in the Cooper Climax marked the end for front-engined Formula 1 cars. The third made him the only driver in history to win a World Championship in a car of his own manufacture, the Brabham BT19 - a feat unlikely to ever be repeated.

Acclaimed as a brilliant engineer, technological innovations brought about by the Brabham team helped to shape the sport today. Through his partnership with Ron Tauranac, over 500 Brabham race cars were built from the team’s British Surrey base in the 1960s alone, while the Brabham name continued in F1 for 30 years.

Although Jack scored his final win in the 1970 South African Grand Prix, the legacy has continued with all three of his sons achieving their own global success, while third generation drivers Matthew and Sam are building their own notable racing careers.

"It’s a very sad day for all of us," said his youngest son David, on behalf of the family. "My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind."

Pitpass and its readers offers its sincere condolences to Sir Jack's wife, Lady Margaret, and sons Geoff, Gary and David and their families.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Kiwi F1 Fan, 22/05/2014 2:32

"Was sad to hear of Sir Jack's final demise, albeit at the end of a successful splendid and colorful life. In New Zealand during the Tasman series each summer my father and I would attend Levin and Ardmore (and perhaps the Airforce Ohakea curcuit) . I would spend many hours in the pits sitting in the cars assisting with polishing, holding or whatever and talking to all these world class drivers that I knew about from Dad's Grand Prix magazine that was only about 3 months behind. Sir Jack would stand and talk with me or us for hours especially after the racing where we would often hang out for some hours. He spoke so enthusiastically that left me with an enduring passion of F1 and the whole circus. RIP"

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2. Posted by jasman, 19/05/2014 23:12

"I had the pleasure of meeting him back in 1987. He was one of the most down to earth people you could ever meet. The world is a poorer place without him.

My condolences to the family."

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3. Posted by jo6pac, 19/05/2014 13:57

"Thanks Mike"

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4. Posted by Skidmarks, 19/05/2014 10:20

"condolences to the family.
Sir Jack was one of the true greats."

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5. Posted by karel, 19/05/2014 7:15

"RIP, one of the real racers is gone, support to the family"

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Sir Jack Brabham passes away

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