Tributes are pouring in for Formula One legend, Sir Stirling Moss following his death at the age of 90, as we pick out some of the best reactions in memory of a true British icon.
Born in 1929, Stirling Moss grew up through the Great Depression and WW2 before making his ‘very fufilling’ F1 debut in the 1951 Swiss Grand Prix, as he went on to win 16 races across a decade span at the pinnacle of Motorsport whilst racing in various other categories too.
His greatest season came in 1958 when he came within a whisker of becoming world champion with four wins, only for a moment of sporting generosity at the Portuguese Grand Prix in which he helped Mike Hawthorn avoid disqualification proved costly as the latter went on to win the title that season by a single point.
Moss’ F1 career sadly came to a premature end after suffering an accident at Goodwood shortly before the 1962 season, although he went on to make one off appearances in various other motorsport categories and historic racing events until 2011 and was knighted for his services to motorsport in 2000.
Recent years however saw Moss suffer a decline in health before passing away on Easter Sunday 12 April 2020, stunning fans and fellow motorsport members who have paid tribute to one of their greatest stars.
Six-time F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton tweeted ‘Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I certainly will miss our conversations. I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace”
Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I certainly will miss our conversations. I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/SDUAqxENHk
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 12, 2020
Ex racing driver and now Sky Sports pundit, Martin Brundle described Moss as a ‘mighty racer and gentleman.’ who ‘had a press on style on the track and in life’ and a ‘privilege’ to have known Moss.
RIP Sir Stirling Moss. A mighty racer and gentleman. He had a press on style on the track and in life. Remarkable man. Survived the most dangerous era of motorsport and died today aged 90. He had such great stories to tell, and it was a privilege to know him. 😢
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) April 12, 2020
1978 F1 champion, Mario Andretti described Moss as ‘my hero and such a kind man beloved by everyone.’ who would always be ‘a true giant’ and ‘missed forever’.
Just heard the very sad news my dear friend Stirling Moss has died. He was my hero and such a kind man beloved by everyone. He was a true giant in our sport and will be missed forever. My deepest sympathy to his devoted wife Suzie. Rest in peace, Racer.
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) April 12, 2020
Motorsport broadcaster, Louise Goodman praised Moss’ ‘wicked sense of humour’ as she joined those who were paying tribute to one of Motorsport’s finest.
Fond farewell to not just a fabulous driver but a gorgeous man. I’ll remember you best for your deliciously wicked sense of humour!
My deepest condolences to Lady Susie and all your family x#stirlingmoss pic.twitter.com/OdsuGiR4xd
— Louise Goodman (@LouGoodmanMedia) April 12, 2020
Three-time F1 champion, Sir Jackie Stewart has also paid tribute to Moss who in Stewart’s eyes is “…the most charismatic racing driver that I think there has ever been.” and a “…enormous loss to the world of motorsport”.
A message from Sir Jackie Stewart on the passing of his dear friend, Sir Stirling Moss. pic.twitter.com/wSTDRazuxh
— Race Against Dementia (@racingdementia) April 12, 2020
Many teams have also paid tribute to Moss on Social Media, with Ferrari describing the 1958 runner-up as a ‘formidable opponent’.
RIP Sir Stirling. A true legend and a wonderful person. To Scuderia Ferrari, he was a formidable opponent.
Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MbshEwJuxq— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 12, 2020
Mercedes of who Moss raced for in 1955 have also paid their own tribute by describing him as a ‘dear friend’ of not just their team but also the ‘Mercedes Motorsport family…’
Today, the sporting world lost not only a true icon and a legend, but a gentleman. The Team and the Mercedes Motorsport family have lost a dear friend. Sir Stirling, we’ll miss you. pic.twitter.com/XEsDf68A7r
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) April 12, 2020
British Racing Drivers club (BRDC) nicely summed up Moss’ impact as ‘An icon, a legend, a racer, a fellow BRDC member, a friend.’
An icon, a legend, a racer, a fellow BRDC Member, a friend. ❤️ #RIP pic.twitter.com/owztdXJsZf
— BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) April 12, 2020
Tributes also poured in from outside the motorsport world with Boxing star, Frank Bruno MBE amongst those to pay tribute.
Bruno tweeted that he was ‘very saddened’ to hear of Moss’ death after receiving his support over many years.
I am very saddened to hear the passing of Sir Stirling Moss. He privately supported me over many years and was an amazing driver in his time, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and all that had the pleasure of knowing him #RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xYEnE9Ak0f
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) April 12, 2020
Good Morning Britain host, Piers Morgan described Moss as ‘a dashing, debonair character.’ as he paid tribute in a tweet.
RIP Sir Stirling Moss, 90.
Fantastic driver – a ‘racer’s racer’ – & a dashing, debonair character.
His wife Lady Moss told the Daily Mail: ‘He died as he lived, looking wonderful.’ pic.twitter.com/YwOieyNtLn— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 12, 2020
Producer of The Steph Show for Channel Four, Alan Clayton described Moss as ‘an absolute gent’ after interviewing him for BBC’s The One Show years ago.
Sad to hear the news that #StirlingMoss has passed away. Had the pleasure to interview him years ago for The One Show. He was an absolute gent who was generous with his time.
— Alan Clayton (@alansclayton) April 12, 2020
Finally, E1 and N1 who are two staff members on the London Underground took time out to create a fantastic tribute to Moss, whilst making commuters in the UK capital aware of Moss’ significance in UK sport.
Rest in peace Sir Stirling Moss. An absolute legend. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. @allontheboard #RestInPeaceSirStirlingMoss #SirStirlingMoss #RIPSirStirlingMoss #StirlingMoss #Legend #F1 #RestInPeace #allontheboard pic.twitter.com/O16cy0QPpf
— All on the board (@allontheboard) April 12, 2020
These tributes underline just how much impact Moss had on not just F1 but also the wider sporting and showbiz world, so let hope that Moss is now racing various tracks in the sky whilst trying to smash speed records.
R.I.P Sir Stirling Moss. 1929-2020

