Remembering François Cevert, who would have turned 70 today.

"Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)" (thejonnyedge)
02/25/2014 at 11:31 • Filed to: Formula1, F1History

Today would have been the 70th birthday of one François Cevert, once dubbed 'The most exciting man in France' and team mate of Jackie Stewart at the Tyrrell F1 team between 1970 and 1973.

Despite his short time in the world of Formula 1, Cevert was highly regarded as a very promising prospect and a fine exponent behind the wheel. It was a comment from Jackie Stewart to team boss Ken Tyrrell that got Cevert the drive in the F1 team, with Stewart telling Tyrrell to keep an eye on the talented youngster. With current Tyrrell driver and fellow French national Johnny Seroz-Gavin suddenly announcing his retirement (most likely down to an eye injury) Tyrrell acted on Stewart's recommendation and hired Cevert as his new driver. Stewart then mentored the young Frenchman, with the eventual goal of Cevert taking over as team leader when Stewart retired.

Cevert began racing on his mother's Vespa scooter against friends, before reaching the age of 19 where he bought himself a Norton motorcycle. National Service then called for the young Cevert, but after the completion of his two year service Cevert turned his eyes towards four wheels, and in 1966 he took part at a training course at the school in Le Mans. Now very much into cars, Cevert took his driving to the next level by enrolling at the racing school at Magny-Cours. Whilst learning his skills at the course he won a scholarship with the prize of a season in an Alpine Formula 3 car, and prepared to enter his first season in the Formula 3 Championship.

His first season in Formula 3 was not good. Lacking experience and funding Cevert struggled and his prize from the scholarship was not a competitive car. The following year he turned down a works Alpine drive and managed to get himself into the more competitive Tecno Formula 3 team. This proved to be a wise move as Cevert began to win races and by the end of the 1968 season, he was Formula 3 champion.

In 1969 Cevert stepped up to Tecno's Formula 2 programme, Formula 2 at the time was the place to be if you ever wanted to be an F1 driver, many existing F1 drivers actually competed in the Formula 2 class and it was here Stewart took note of Cevert's ability. He ended the Formula 2 season 3rd in the championship, and now the big league was calling. However, 1970 was not to be a dream first season in F1.

Working alongside Stewart, Francois became very close to both Stewart and his family and the two became close friends, Stewart himself saying he couldn't have had a better friend in Cevert. The foundations of a successful team relationship between the two drivers was in place, but on the track the 1970 Tyrrell cars (which were actually made by March) were unreliable and the two drivers struggled for points and finishes, Stewart eventually finishing 5th in the championship. The team mates only finished 5 races each, but Cevert was happy to take his first championship point at the Italian Grand Prix.

The following season of 1971 was a hugely successful year for Tyrrell, as Jackie Stewart won his second World Championship, and Cevert completed his first full season in F1, taking 3rd in the championship behind his team mate and Swede Ronnie Peterson after some excellent results, most notably his first win in F1 at the final race of the season in Watkins Glen. Cevert also continued to race in Formula 2, obtaining good results. Now he was very much established as a top driver. After a forgetful campaign in 1972, Tyrrell and Cevert began preparing for the '73 season.

1973 was a fine year for Cevert, outside of F1 he helped guide MATRA-SIMCA to a World Constructors Championship in sports cars, and was again performing in Formula 2. Cevert's F1 season was also much improved, he didn't win any races but he obtained 6 second place finishes, half of which were 1-2s behind team mate Stewart. Lotus had the best car in 1973, but with their wins being split between their two drivers, Stewart took advantage and with simply excellent driving in the Tyrrell, he managed to take his 3rd and final world championship, failing to score points in only 2 races during the season. Sadly, Cevert was not to see the end of the '73 season.

Jackie Stewart was to retire at the end of the 1973 season, but he had kept it quiet. The plan within the Tyrrell team was to make Cevert the new team leader, Stewart and Ken Tyrrell even planned to let Cevert through in his final race should he be leading, to somewhat symbolically pass over the leadership. He never had the chance though, as when that final race at Watkins Glen came around, Cevert was killed in a terrible accident during qualifying. He was 29 years of age. Tyrrell and Stewart withdrew from the race.

Blessed with good looks, charisma and fantastic driving ability, Cevert was universally liked by the people around him and adored by women who encountered him. His death in qualifying at Watkins Glen denied the world a chance to see if Cevert could fulfill his great potential and challenge for, or even win the World Championship. He was known as a gentleman and was even a classically trained pianist. A friend of mine who was a Tyrrell mechanic at the time said he was often to be found playing piano with a beautiful woman close by.

Unfortunately, François Cevert is just one of many drivers in F1 history who we lost. His good friend Jackie did much to change this. I don't know a great deal about the history of F1, but through talking to a man who knew him, and researching him online it seems he was really loved by all those he came across, and his loss at the age of just 29 affected those he was close to a great deal. On what would have been his 70th birthday, this seemed like a great opportunity to write about him, and for F1 fans worldwide to remember or learn about him. Instead of writing a conclusion, I'll finish this article leaving you with a few words from this short video of his great friend and mentor Jackie Stewart.

(edited: 30/12/2014 to replace dead link to Sir Jackie's video)

DISCUSSION (32)

JEM > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/25/2014 at 12:49

Excellent write up. I believe there's a good amount written about him in Jackie's autobiography which is quite a good book.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > JEM
02/25/2014 at 12:53

Thank you very much sir. I would imagine there will be as Cevert and the family were very close from what I understand. Jackie's book must be a fantastic read, I must look into adding it to my collection.

JEM > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/25/2014 at 12:56

It's been a few years since I read it and while it's not one of the best bio/auto biographys I've ever read, it is full of a lot of history and details and insight into Stewart. I think it might read a little stiff, perhaps like a history book at points but I would definitely recommend it.

For a more fun bio, definitely read Keith Richard's. Best bio I've ever read.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > JEM
02/25/2014 at 13:01

I'm currently reading 'The Life of Senna', so I imagine after going to Jackie's book will be a logical step for me. I absolutely believe you about Richards! I bet that is fantastic.

It seems a lot of people from the time really believed Francois would have gone on to win World Championships. It's a real shame his life ended before anybody could find out. In this article I tried to avoid talking about his death and focus on his life, as his death has been covered a fair few times by 'killer years' style F1 columns and documentaries. Today is the best day to remember him for his life rather than his death, so I am very glad you enjoyed the article.

2BWise > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/25/2014 at 13:12

Thanks for the write up. I never knew much of Cevert's history especially how he got to Formula One. Anyone out there know if there are any biographies on Cevert? I'd love to read more.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > 2BWise
02/25/2014 at 13:17

Thank you for reading, I'm very glad you enjoyed it and learned a bit about him. Anyone can of course go online and read about him, but I wanted to write my own piece using information I could find out about him. I'm very glad some of you think it turned out well.

I don't know if there is a book about him anywhere, I'm lucky because I have a friend who worked for Tyrrell during that time and he had nothing but high praise for Francois. JEM just said there is fair bit about him in Jackie Stewart's book though, so maybe that would be a good read for you?

2BWise > 2BWise
02/25/2014 at 13:21

You should suggest to your friend to write about his time in F1. Or better yet.....have him tell you the stories and you write it! I'd buy the first copy!

I've read Jackie's autobiography and there is a bit in there but its a bit scattered. It'd be nice to read it without Jackie's narrative intertwined. Also, that book is shockingly tough to read. Very dry. I had to force my way through it.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > 2BWise
02/25/2014 at 14:59

I actually intend to do an interview with him soon. I think that would make for a good blog post, and some interesting inside knowledge for everybody. Although I'm a bit disappointed that the new design on Jalopnik has dominated the news here today, as I feel Francois deserves a few reads. But, such is blogging!

It sounds like you and JEM had the same experience with that book, it's a shame because Stewart is one of the most important people in the history of F1.

2BWise > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/25/2014 at 16:20

That would be a fantastic idea. Then save all write ups so it can be compiled later on for rereading.

I really enjoy this time period of racing and have tried to get my hands on as much reading material as possible. Some stories from the inside would be amazing.

I still need to see Weekend of a Champion (I can't find it in the US). His book really turned me off to Jackie Stewart, but according to a friend who has seen the movie Jackie Stewart really impressed him.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > 2BWise
02/25/2014 at 18:30

Yeah I think it would be very good, I really do. Obviously it relies on me asking the right kind of questions and that, but to get an insight into an early 70's F1 team featuring a World Champion one of the greatest drivers never to have won a championship would be a really good thing to do. I have a feeling that Oppo isn't necessarily the right place for me to publish that though, as I said before I don't rate my writing that highly but I thought with today being his birthday, and what I perceived to be a lot of interest surrounding his life, it would be of interest to a lot of car and motorsport lovers. I am however chuffed that you and JEM enjoyed this piece, it made doing it very worthwhile! If I can get that interview done with my friend then I will definitely let you know. I'll follow you so I don't forget, or just bug me in a few months if you've still not heard haha!

I really want to see Weekend of a Champion too, it looks sensational! And I don't know a huge amount about F1 history but I think you have to really put Stewart up there for his approach to improving safety, as well as being a team owner and triple World Champ. He's a big deal for those reasons. Seems like a smashing bloke too!

Joey Quinn > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/27/2014 at 18:55

Kinja'd!!!

Always loved this picture of him.

criminalenterprise > 2BWise
02/27/2014 at 20:24

I bought this amazing book from Amazon France based on a Jalop recommendation:

http://www.amazon.fr/FRANCOIS-CEVER…

A bit steep with shipping and all, but the big and phenomenal photographs power a nostalgia for that era perfectly.

signintokinjalol > Joey Quinn
02/27/2014 at 20:34

You how long I've been looking for a print of that?

Fuck...

FerMorcillo > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/27/2014 at 21:06

Blessed with good looks

Can I say one thing to you?and I say this with an unblemished record of staunch heterosexuality

He looked fabulous...

2cver > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/27/2014 at 21:46

Interesting article! I never knew how he died. I still have a Citroen brochure that introduced the new SM. The plan was for Cevert to drive the press in the new car around Watkins Glen. Kinda eerie.

Familyvettster > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/27/2014 at 21:47

This is a must see for any Cevert fan or anyone who loves early F1. It really helps you understand the atmosphere at that time.
His popularity with the ladies is well documented around the 39 minute mark NSFW.

Familyvettster > Familyvettster
02/27/2014 at 21:48

Part two is here.

Familyvettster > Familyvettster
02/27/2014 at 21:52

Part 2 here.

JimEmery > 2BWise
02/28/2014 at 02:24

Francois Cevert's sister, Jacqueline, published a biography of him last year, with journalist Johnny Rives as co-author and a preface written by Jackie Stewart. Incidentally, she is married to Jean-Pierre Beltoise, the two drivers were brothers-in-law!

The Cevert biography is only in French, and is not widely known in the US. I only knew about it when I was in France last year and saw it in a shop. I don't know about an English translation. It's a great document of his life, since she had volumes of family photos and personal reminiscences that had not been published or documented anywhere else:

http://motorposts.com/francois-cever…

As was mentioned elsewhere in this thread, you can buy it on Amazon france:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fran%C3%A7ois-…

JimEmery > JEM
02/28/2014 at 02:26

And don't forget that Francois Cevert now has a biography of his own (in French), his sister published it last year:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fran%C3%A7ois-…

JimEmery > FerMorcillo
02/28/2014 at 02:29

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Joey Quinn
02/28/2014 at 07:16

That's a phenomenal picture of the man. Great find, would make a great canvas!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Familyvettster
02/28/2014 at 07:17

Great post, I'm going to enjoy watching this today with a cup of tea and toast!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > JimEmery
02/28/2014 at 07:19

Wow nice find Jim! I have lots of French friends maybe I'll get them to read it to me.... Now I just need to find a way to bribe them...

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > FerMorcillo
02/28/2014 at 07:20

A very handsome chap. Heterosexuality is cemented by being able to admit things like that.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > 2cver
02/28/2014 at 07:26

His death has often been one of the most talked about incidents in his life, but I felt that remembering him on what would have been his birthday deserved focusing on his life and personality and achievements. The circumstances surrounding his accident and death can be found quite easily online if you're curious at all.

That's good little piece of history you have there by the sounds of it, keep hold of it!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > JimEmery
02/28/2014 at 07:36

Yes I was going to actually mention him and Jean-Pierre Beltoise were brothers in-law but took it out when I re-read what I had done! From what I understand she met Jean-Pierre and that got Francois even more interested in motor-racing.

Jean-Pierre and Jacqueline later had two sons who became racing drivers, and it's a real shame that (what would have been) Uncle Francois wasn't around as he was apparently very good with children too. The guy was a great human being.

Familyvettster > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
02/28/2014 at 20:13

Second part is here.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Familyvettster
02/28/2014 at 20:19

I found it on YouTube today, great watch. Loved being in that car and listening to him talk about the Ring. I thought Cevert came across very well in interviews and really seemed to be that charming man everybody says he was. Obviously had a good time with the ladies as well! Lucky sod!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
03/02/2014 at 15:01

Guys, if you're still reading this please please check out this fantastic video of Francois Cevert:

Wim G. > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
08/18/2014 at 11:21

I admired Jacky Steward and Francois Cevert , I've seen them in the (roaring) Tyrell Ford's , the summer of 1973 at the Zandvoort Grand Prix , with the horrible crash of Roger Williamson. Only a few months later Francois crashed , just as horrible. He had the typical looks if the seventies , which young man didn't want to be a famous FI pilot ....

I hope to be 70 soon (or later ..)

Wim G.

Wim G. > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
08/18/2014 at 11:21

I hope to be 70 soon (or later ..)

Wim G.