Elio De Angelis, born on March 26, 1958, in Rome, Italy, was a talented Italian racing driver celebrated for his skill, charm, and sportsmanship in Formula 1. De Angelis made his F1 debut in 1979 with Shadow, quickly moving to Lotus, where he became a key figure during the early 1980s. Known for his smooth driving style, he earned his first Grand Prix win in Austria in 1982, a victory that showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. De Angelis stayed with Lotus until 1985, partnering with renowned drivers like Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna, and earning a reputation as a highly consistent performer. In 1986, he joined Brabham, but his career was tragically cut short when he was killed in a testing accident at the Paul Ricard circuit in France on May 15, 1986. Elio De Angelis is remembered not only for his driving talent but also for his cultured personality—he was a skilled pianist and known for his gentlemanly approach to racing. His legacy endures as one of Formula 1’s most beloved drivers, admired for his grace on and off the track.
The new decade brought a record number of entries for...