A Tribute To Elio de Angelis: 1958-1986

Through this website you will relive the history of the former Italian Formula 1 driver Elio de Angelis, one of the most popular and iconic stars of 1980’s Formula 1 motor racing.

Elio de Angelis was a Formula 1 driver with manners and values from another age, along with style. sophistication and class.  He was quick too – I always felt that he could be the quickest if he only felt like it, and I still believe that he had the makings of a champion maybe even more that his other Italian rival of the day, the late Michele Alboreto. When the great Ayrton Senna joined him as a team mate at Team Lotus in 1985, Elio proved that he was no pushover, leading the F1 Drivers Championship at mid-season and when the the circumstances prevailed he certainly gave the Brazilian superstar cause for concern.

Elio de Angelis was a true gentleman, a rare breed the likes of which will unlikely be witnessed again in Formula 1.  In 1985 he rang Nigel Mansell, his former Lotus team-mate after his big shunt at Paul Ricard to see if he was alright as he lay in a Marseille hospital. In his later Autobiography, Nigel mentioned that he was one of the few drivers who had taken the time to contact him to ask after his wellbeing.  The unforgettable and impromptu piano concert that Elio gave during the drivers lock-in at the 1983 South African GP at Kyalami which soothed his fellow competitors nerves, and the dignity and professionalism he showed during the 1985 season when it became obvious the team were favouring Senna.

Through interviews, tributes, rare photographs and multimedia this website remembers a rare man whose legacy is one we should cherish.