In silent mourning we bid farewell to Jochen Mass, who passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Cannes as a result of a stroke he suffered in February.
Germany has lost a much-loved racing legend and an ambassador for our country. We have lost a good friend with whom we have enjoyed many wonderful hours and great events in recent years.
Jochen, who initially went to sea in his youth, came to motorsport late in life via an apprenticeship as a mechanic and a childhood friend who worked as a track marshal. However, he was very talented, won many races and finally made it into Formula 1 in 1973. His Formula 1 record includes 105 races, eight podium finishes and a victory in a scandalous race. He was also German champion in the German Circuit Championship in a Ford Capri, runner-up in the European Formula 2 championship in a Surtees and most recently won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989 in a Sauber-Mercedes.
Until Michael Schuhmacher’s career, he was regarded as the most successful racing driver in Germany. He acted as a mentor and teacher for the young Michael Schuhmacher. The Mercedes team had appointed him as such. Jochen once said that the young Michael was already very fast at a young age. However, he came in as a typical lone wolf. In the Mercedes team, he then learned from Jochen Mass how to become a team player. This later became one of his greatest strengths, particularly at Ferrari.
After the end of his active driving career, Jochen Mass became a TV pundit and co-commentator, particularly for RTL. He won the hearts of fans with his great expertise and good humor. Until the end, he could be seen at many classic car events all over the world. Always approachable, warm and without any airs and graces, he was a star you could touch.
I myself had the great honor of getting to know him personally about 15 years ago and later calling him a friend. Repeated joint participations in the legendary London-to-Brighton Run and the experience of seeing him at numerous events in Goodwood, Le Mans or at the Classic Days will always remain a positive memory.
Some of his companions have repeatedly said that Jochen had a lot of bad luck in his career and often had the wrong cars, otherwise he would probably have become a multiple world champion. He was a level-headed man and saw things completely differently. He always said: “The fact that I am still here and alive is a great blessing for which I thank the Lord. Many of my colleagues and friends passed away early and I had a wonderful life with a great wife and great children.”
Jochen leaves behind his wonderful wife Bettina and four children.
We have lost a dear friend and a great person who we already miss!
R.I.P. , dear Jochen !
Alexander Schröder-Frerkes
