It took Graham Hill many years of hard work to reach the top of Formula One. He became Britain's second World Champion and won the Monaco GP a record 5 times.
When Alonso placed on his egocentric mind the idea of winning Le Mans and the Indy 500, I prayed to the Goddess of motor racing he never, ever equalled himself to the great sir Graham Hill (yes, I just knighted him), for as much as old Fernando is a great driver, he lacks the character by light-years that sir Graham had. He was the most fascinating, most intelligent, most articulated, and most charming racing driver of all time. And I am honoured to say, as a teenager, I had the chance to see him race (and finish it), in front of my eyes, at the old glorious (8 km long) Interlagos circuit in 1974.
Hill carried Team Lotus on his back in 1968 after Clark's death, and he won the championship. After he broke both legs at Watkins Glen in 1969 everyone said his career was over. (both legs were snapped in the opposite direction at the knees). He fought back from that injury and raced again. A man of incomparable strength and will. RIP
One of the great characters of motor racing, with a brilliant sense of humor, I saw him racing many times in the 1960’s and have a signed copy of his book ‘Life at the Limit’
As Graham said 'I drank the milk'. And his great friend and rival Jim Clark laughed. Imagine such camaraderie and sportsmanship nowadays. Not a chance. Stewards. Disqualifications. Reinstatement. Yada. Yada.
