Phil Hill has the distinction of becoming the 1st United States F1 world champion in 1961, driving for Ferrari. His title winning year was however marred by the death of his team mate, and main title contender Wolfgang Von Trips in the Italian GP at Monza that year. Phil competed for Ferrari in sports car races before breaking into F1 for Ferrari in 1958, following on from the deaths of Ferrari team mates Luigi Musso and Peter Collins. It all came good for Hill in 1961 when Ferrari was well prepared for the new 1.5 litre formula with the Sharknose type 156. Phil Hill was never really in a competitive position again in F1, and his last full season was in 1964. He continued to drive sportscars for some years and enjoyed some success driving the ground breaking 'high winged' Chaparral.
Nationality - American
Born 20 Apr 1927
Died 28 Aug 2008
First GP France 1958
Total GP's 48
Wins 3
Poles 6
Fastest laps 6
Total points 98
Teams
-Cooper
-Ferrari
-Porsche
Claim to fame
World Champion
-1961
