Remembering Switzerland’s Formula One legend

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Taking a break on the road while travelling to a race in 1962. Jean-Claude Fontana

In the pit, 1961. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert wins the 1961 Junior Lake Garda Grand Prix. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert in a Brabham-BRM at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone, 1965. Jean-Claude Fontana

Mechanic Heini Mader at work on a Lotus-Cosworth. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert and Jean-Claude Fontana share a meal in the pit, 1961/62. Jean-Claude Fontana

Mechanic Heini Mader with a Lotus Cosworth at the garage in Mouret, canton Fribourg. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert in a Brabham at the Solitude Grand Prix in Stuttgart, 1963. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert with Swedish driver Joakim Bonnier at the Solitude Grand Prix in Stuttgart, 1963. Jean-Claude Fontana

Refreshment break, 1962. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert with Jim Clark at the start of the French Grand Prix in Reims, 1963. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert in a Lotus wins the Coupe de Paris in Monthléry, 1961. Jean-Claude Fontana

Siffert as the winner of the Trophée de Cesenatico, 1961. Jean-Claude Fontana

The artist Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) and Jo Siffert in Siffert's garage in Fribourg, 1970-71 Jean-Claude Fontana

At the start of the French Grand Prix in Reims, 1963. Jean-Claude Fontana

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Jo “Seppi” Siffert is part of motor racing history, inspiring a film and the likes of Steve McQueen. The Swiss Formula One driver’s life and his lesser-known friendship with the kinetic artist Jean Tinguely is the subject of a new exhibition. 

Born 80 years ago in Fribourg, he started 100 Grand Prix races, winning two. He died tragically at the age of 35 in an end-of-season non championship Formula One race. When his car suspension broke, Siffert crashed and the car went up in flames.

Stiffert grew up in a poor family, and was barely a teenager when he caught the racing bug and decided to make the need for speed his life.

His life was documented in 2006’s “Jo Siffert: Live Fast Die Young” and Steve McQueen is said to have modelled himself on Siffert in the film “Le Mans”.

Fribourg photographer Jean-Claude Fontana’s images show Stiffert’s life on and off the track and include rarely-seen shots of young pals Tinguely (also from Fribourg) and Siffert. In “I will call you Seppi”, a selection of the works are on display at the Fribourg cantonal and university library until September 9. 

(Text: swissinfo.ch)