Another accident sends Moss into permanent retirement

Sir Stirling Moss has officially hung up his helmet following a qualifying incident ahead of this weekend’s Le Mans Legends race. The Englishman, whose professional career effectively ended with a Goodwood crash in 1962, finished as Formula 1 runner-up for four consecutive seasons between 1955 and 1958.

Having enjoyed a total of 212 victories across his racing career, Moss has now elected to quit at the age of 81. After his quartet of second place finishes, he proceeded to finish third in the Drivers’ Championships of 1959, 1960 and 1961. While competing at Goodwood in 1962, Moss narrowly escaped death after an accident and subsequent coma.

The decision to retire came on Friday after ‘Mr. Motor Racing’ suffered a Le Mans incident while driving a Porsche RS61. He was due to partner Ian Nuthall in the Legends race, which takes place ahead of the main Le Mans 24 Hours.

“I have always said, if I felt I was not up to it or I was getting in the way of competitors, I would retire," he comments. “This afternoon I scared myself. I love racing, but now it is time to stop."