Driving his first motor vehicle at age six on a family farm, Chris Amon transitioned from local hillclimbs in New Zealand to the pinnacle of international motorsport. Across 14 Formula One seasons, he earned a reputation for exceptional technical skill frequently undermined by the persistent mechanical failures of his equipment.
Early Career and Reg Parnell Racing
Born in 1943 in Bulls, New Zealand, Amon attended Whanganui Collegiate School before entering the national motor racing scene in 1962. After performing well in rainy conditions at Lakeside, he attracted the attention of English driver Reg Parnell, who invited him to Britain. Amon made his Formula One debut for Reg Parnell Racing at the 1963 Monaco Grand Prix. His early years in the sport were marked by significant reliability issues, including a 1963 Italian Grand Prix practice accident that left him with three broken ribs.
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While Formula One victories proved elusive, Amon achieved major success in sportscar racing. In 1966, he partnered with Bruce McLaren to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40 Mk.II. Following this, he joined Ferrari in 1967, where he secured a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. These accomplishments confirmed his status as a elite endurance driver, despite his continued struggles with mechanical consistency in Grand Prix racing.
Formula One Transitions
Amon spent his career navigating various team structures, including stints with Matra, March, Tecno, Tyrrell, BRM, Ensign, and Wolf–Williams. In 1966, he also founded Chris Amon Racing, entering the Italian Grand Prix in a privateer Brabham BT11 and later competing with the AF101 model in 1974. He retired from professional racing at the conclusion of the 1976 season. His career highlights included five pole positions, three fastest laps, and 11 podium finishes in the World Championship.
Legacy and Honours
Beyond his Formula One achievements, Amon won the 1969 Tasman Series with Scuderia Veloce and captured non-championship victories at the 1970 BRDC International Trophy and the 1971 Argentine Grand Prix. His contributions to motorsport were recognised with an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1993 and induction into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He died in Rotorua in 2016 and was buried at the Clifton Cemetery in Bulls.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Bulls, New Zealand
- Died: 2016, Rotorua, New Zealand
- Formula One career: 1963-1976
- 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans winner
- 1967 24 Hours of Daytona winner
- 1969 Tasman Series winner
- Appointed MBE: 1993
- Burial site: Bulls (Clifton) Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Did Chris Amon win a Formula One Grand Prix?
No, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers who never won a World Championship Formula One Grand Prix.
What teams did Amon drive for in Formula One?
His career included stints with Reg Parnell Racing, McLaren, Ferrari, March, Matra, Tecno, Tyrrell, BRM, Ensign, and Wolf–Williams.
Achievements
- Member of the Order of the British Empire — 1993
- Represented Reg Parnell Racing, Scuderia Ferrari and March Engineering
- Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Discipline: auto racing
