Philip Toll Hill Jr. claimed the 1961 Formula One World Drivers' Championship as a Ferrari driver, marking a singular achievement in American motorsport history. Born in Miami in 1927 and raised in Santa Monica, California, he navigated a professional racing trajectory that spanned from 1949 to 1967, ultimately becoming the only American-born driver to capture the world title.
Early Career and Education
Hill attended the University of Southern California between 1945 and 1947, joining the Kappa Sigma fraternity before leaving to pursue automobile racing. He worked as a mechanic before traveling to England in 1949 as a Jaguar trainee. His competitive debut occurred at the 1949 Carrell Speedway event, where he drove an MG TC to victory. He signed with Enzo Ferrari's team in 1956, marking the start of a long tenure with the manufacturer.
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Starting his Formula One career at the 1958 French Grand Prix in Reims, Hill advanced to a full-time seat with Ferrari in 1959. In 1960, he won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the first American to win a Grand Prix since Jimmy Murphy in 1921. His championship year in 1961 included a victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. He secured the title at the Italian Grand Prix, a race marked by the fatal crash of his teammate, Wolfgang von Trips.
Endurance Racing Accomplishments
Hill excelled in long-distance events, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times in 1958, 1961, and 1962, always alongside Belgian teammate Olivier Gendebien. His endurance portfolio also included three victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring. In 1964, driving for NART, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona, becoming the first driver to complete the Triple Crown of endurance racing.
Post-Racing and Final Years
Following his retirement from racing in 1967, Hill established a car restoration company called Hill & Vaughn in the 1970s, which he operated until 1995. He contributed as a television commentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports and authored numerous road tests for Road & Track magazine. He remained active in the automotive community, judging at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for four decades. Hill died on August 28, 2008, in Salinas, California, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Fast facts
- Born: April 20, 1927, Miami
- Died: August 28, 2008, Salinas
- Formula One World Champion: 1961
- Formula One career: 1958-1966
- Triple Crown of endurance racing: Completed 1964
- Education: University of Southern California
- Burial place: Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery
- Hall of Fame: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Questions readers ask
Was Phil Hill the first American to win the Formula One World Championship?
He was the first American-born driver to win the title, though Mario Andretti also won the championship later.
Did Phil Hill compete in other forms of racing besides Formula One?
Yes, he was highly successful in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Achievements
- Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
- Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Discipline: auto racing