Eddie Cheever F1 Profile & Career Stats

Eddie Cheever Biography

Tyrell 011 driven by Eddie Cheever at Monaco (1981)

Eddie Cheever, a true racing legend, is widely regarded as one of the most talented American drivers to ever grace the Formula 1 tracks. With over 130 Grand Prix starts, he has left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1958, Cheever was exposed to the world of racing from a young age. His father, Edward Cheever Sr., was a successful driver in his own right, and it was only natural for Eddie to follow in his footsteps. He started racing go-karts at the age of 15 and quickly progressed to single-seater racing.

In 1978, Cheever made his Formula 1 debut with the Hesketh team, but it was with the Osella squad in 1981 that he began to make his mark. He scored his first championship point that year, and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead.

After a spell with the Ligier and Renault teams, Cheever joined Alfa Romeo in 1983. It was with this team that he achieved his first podium finish at the Nurburgring, finishing third. He continued to impress over the next few seasons, and in 1985 he won his first race at the unpredictable and challenging Circuit de Monaco.

Cheever’s career then took him to the Arrows team, where he had some of his most successful years in Formula 1. In 1986, he finished fourth in the championship, scoring 22 points and two podiums. The following year, he scored a career-high 34 points and finished fifth in the standings.

In 1988, Cheever switched to the new Haas Lola team, but it was a difficult year for both driver and team. He moved to the Coloni team in 1989, but this was a brief and unsuccessful stint. After failing to qualify for the first two races of the season, he parted ways with the team.

Cheever returned to Formula 1 in 1990 with the new Arrows team, and he scored his final podium finish that year. He continued to race until the end of the 1991 season, when he announced his retirement from the sport.

After his retirement from Formula 1, Cheever went on to have a successful career as a team owner and driver in the American Le Mans Series, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1998 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2011.

Eddie Cheever will always be remembered as a talented driver who achieved great success in Formula 1. His tenacity and skill behind the wheel, coupled with his affable personality, made him a favorite among fans and his fellow drivers.

Eddie Cheever Championship Results

Eddie Cheever F1 Seasons Summary

Year	Team	Engine	GP	1st	2nd	3rd	Pod	Pole	Laps	FL	Avg Pts	Points
1989	Arrows	Ford	14	0	0	1	1	0	727	0	0.43	6
1988	Arrows	Megatron	16	0	0	1	1	0	726	0	0.38	6
1987	Arrows	Megatron	16	0	0	0	0	0	751	0	0.50	8
1986	Lola	Ford	1	0	0	0	0	0	37	0	0.00	0
1985	Alfa Romeo	Alfa Romeo	16	0	0	0	0	0	491	0	0.00	0
1984	Alfa Romeo	Alfa Romeo	15	0	0	0	0	0	551	0	0.20	3
1983	Renault	Renault	15	0	1	3	4	0	643	0	1.47	22
1982	Ligier	Matra	14	0	1	2	3	0	648	0	1.07	15
1981	Tyrrell	Ford	14	0	0	0	0	0	660	0	0.71	10
1980	Osella	Ford	10	0	0	0	0	0	248	0	0.00	0
1978	Hesketh	Ford	1	0	0	0	0	0	8	0	0.00	0