45 min

Formula 1's FORGOTTEN American World Champion Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

    • History

In 1961, Formula 1 crowned its first-ever American World Driver Champion. Californian Phil Hill — a driver whose ulcer-ridden body should have prevented him from racing at the top levels of motorsport — never quite seemed like the prototypical race car driver. But if an American earned the highest honor in motorsport within the first 11 years of F1's existence, why don't we better remember and celebrate Phil Hill?

The answer lies in the title-deciding 1961 Monza Grand Prix, a tragic, deadly race that immediately overshadowed Hill's greatest success.

This is the first of a two-part series focusing on the tragedies of F1's American World Champions. 

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography: 

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit by Michael Cannon

Phil Hill: A Driving Life by Phil Hill

Monza: A Glorious History by Paolo Montagna

The American Legacy in Formula 1

https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Carrera_Panamericana-1952-11-23.html

https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/phil-hill/

https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/who-was-phil-hill-the-legend-who-shunned-the-spotlight-58307

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/october-1961/44/xxxii-italian-grand-prix/




---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-blackstock/support

In 1961, Formula 1 crowned its first-ever American World Driver Champion. Californian Phil Hill — a driver whose ulcer-ridden body should have prevented him from racing at the top levels of motorsport — never quite seemed like the prototypical race car driver. But if an American earned the highest honor in motorsport within the first 11 years of F1's existence, why don't we better remember and celebrate Phil Hill?

The answer lies in the title-deciding 1961 Monza Grand Prix, a tragic, deadly race that immediately overshadowed Hill's greatest success.

This is the first of a two-part series focusing on the tragedies of F1's American World Champions. 

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography: 

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit by Michael Cannon

Phil Hill: A Driving Life by Phil Hill

Monza: A Glorious History by Paolo Montagna

The American Legacy in Formula 1

https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Carrera_Panamericana-1952-11-23.html

https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/phil-hill/

https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/who-was-phil-hill-the-legend-who-shunned-the-spotlight-58307

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/october-1961/44/xxxii-italian-grand-prix/




---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-blackstock/support

45 min

Top Podcasts In History

The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
American Scandal
Wondery
Everything Everywhere Daily
Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
American History Tellers
Wondery
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin
The Ancients
History Hit