Patrick Tambay F1 Profile & Career Stats

Patrick Tambay F1 Profile & Career Stats
Former Formula 1 Driver

Patrick Tambay

F1 career: 1977 - 1986

Driver Profile

CountryFrance France
Height1.85 meter / 6 feet 1 inch1.85 m / 6'1"
Place of BirthParis
Date of BirthJun 25th 1949
Date of DeathDec 4th 2022: 73 years old
Season Entries9 (1977–1979, 1981–1986)
Car Number16

Full Career Statistics

Drivers' Titles0
Grand Prix Entries122
Grand Prix Starts116
Total Points103.00
Avg. Points per GP0.84
Grand Prix Wins2 (1,6%)
Pole Positions5 (4,1%)
Front Row Starts9 (7,4%)
Avg. GP Grid10.5
GP Podiums11 (9,0%)
GP Fastest Laps2 (1,6%)
GP Points Finish32 (26,2%)
Avg. GP Position6.2
GP DNFs66 (54,1%)
Total GP Laps4.980

Key Career Landmarks

Race1977 British F1 Grand Prix1977 GBR F1 GP 28 years, 21 days28y, 21d1986 Australian F1 Grand Prix1986 AUS F1 GP 37 years, 123 days37y, 123d
Pole1983 USA West F1 Grand Prix1983 USA F1 GP 33 years, 275 days33y, 275d1984 French F1 Grand Prix1984 FRA F1 GP 34 years, 330 days34y, 330d
Win1982 German F1 Grand Prix1982 GER F1 GP 33 years, 44 days33y, 44d1983 San Marino F1 Grand Prix1983 SMR F1 GP 33 years, 310 days33y, 310d
Podium1982 British F1 Grand Prix1982 GBR F1 GP 33 years, 23 days33y, 23d1985 San Marino F1 Grand Prix1985 SMR F1 GP 35 years, 314 days35y, 314d
Fastest lap1983 Canadian F1 Grand Prix1983 CAN F1 GP 33 years, 352 days33y, 352d1984 South African F1 Grand Prix1984 RSA F1 GP 34 years, 287 days34y, 287d
Points finish1977 German F1 Grand Prix1977 GER F1 GP 28 years, 36 days28y, 36d1986 Austrian F1 Grand Prix1986 AUT F1 GP 37 years, 53 days37y, 53d

F1 Career Finishing Positions

1st 2
2nd 4
3rd 5
4th 6
5th 6
6th 6
7th 7
8th 4
9th 2
10th 4
11th 1
12th 1
13th 2
DNF 64
NC 2
DNQ 5
DNS 1
DNF Did Not FinishNC Not ClassifiedDNQ Did Not QualifyDNS Did Not Start
Stats current as of:

Bio

Patrick Tambay Biography


Patrick Tambay 2019 Beyond the Grid interview

Patrick Tambay driving the Ferrari during the 1983 French F1 GP

Patrick Tambay was born in Paris, France, on June 25, 1949. As a child, he was fascinated by cars, and he spent much of his time tinkering with engines and dreaming of becoming a racing driver.

Tambay's career began in earnest in the early 1970s when he competed in a series of local races. He quickly proved to be a talented driver and was soon signed to drive for the Formula Two team of Jean-Pierre Beltoise.

In 1977, Tambay made his debut in Formula One driving for the Ensign team. Although he struggled initially, his skills soon caught the attention of the McLaren team, who signed him up for the 1978 season.

Tambay's time with McLaren was a mixed bag, and he struggled to make an impact. However, he continued to work hard, and in 1981, he signed with the Scuderia Ferrari team.

It was with Ferrari that Tambay truly shone. He won his first race for the team in 1982 at the German Grand Prix, and he went on to win the following year at the San Marino Grand Prix. He was a consistent performer for Ferrari, and he helped the team win the Constructors' Championship in 1983.

Tambay's career continued to thrive, and he went on to drive for a number of other teams, including Renault and Haas Lola. However, his time at Ferrari remains the high point of his career.

One anecdote that captures Tambay's tenacity and spirit occurred during the 1983 season. Tambay had been battling with his teammate Rene Arnoux, and tensions were running high. In the lead-up to the Monaco Grand Prix, Tambay was determined to outperform Arnoux, and he spent hours practicing his starts.

On race day, Tambay's hard work paid off, and he got a perfect start, launching himself into the lead. He went on to win the race, beating Arnoux and securing his place as Ferrari's top driver.

Patrick Tambay's career was marked by his passion, determination, and skill. He remains a beloved figure in the world of Formula One, and his legacy lives on as an inspiration to aspiring racers around the world.

Seasons

Patrick Tambay Championship Results

 

Patrick Tambay F1 Seasons Summary

YearTeamEngineGP1st2nd3rdPodPoleLapsFLAvg PtsPoints
1986 United Kingdom Lola
United Kingdom Lola
United Kingdom Hart
United States Ford
150000058700.132
1985 France Renault France Renault150022057400.7311
1984 France Renault France Renault150101171410.7311
1983 Italy Ferrari Italy Ferrari151225474312.6740
1982 Italy Ferrari Italy Ferrari71113035003.5725
1981 France Ligier
Hong Kong Theodore
France Matra
United States Ford
140000051300.071
1979 United Kingdom McLaren United States Ford130000042900.000
1978 United Kingdom McLaren United States Ford150000080300.538
1977 United Kingdom Ensign United States Ford70000026700.715
Races
Wins
Podiums
Poles
Teammates

Patrick Tambay — Frequently Asked Questions

When did Patrick Tambay start racing in Formula 1?
Patrick Tambay started racing in Formula 1 in 1977.
Is Patrick Tambay still racing in Formula 1?
Patrick Tambay passed away in 2022. Last competed in Formula 1 in 1986.
How many Formula 1 races has Patrick Tambay won?
Patrick Tambay has won 2 Formula 1 races.
How many F1 podiums does Patrick Tambay have?
Patrick Tambay has finished on the podium 11 times in Formula 1.
When did Patrick Tambay win their first F1 race?
Patrick Tambay won their first Formula 1 race at the 1982 German F1 GP.
What nationality is Patrick Tambay?
Patrick Tambay is French.
Which teams has Patrick Tambay driven for in Formula 1?
Patrick Tambay has driven for Surtees, Ensign, McLaren, Theodore, Ligier, Ferrari, Renault and Lola in Formula 1.
How many F1 races has Patrick Tambay entered?
Patrick Tambay has competed in 122 Formula 1 Grands Prix.