Italian motorsport mourns the passing of Andrea De Adamich

The Italian motorsport community is in mourning following the death of Andrea de Adamich, the former Formula 1 driver and dedicated television commentator, who has passed away at the age of 84.

The news, announced as the Formula 1 community prepares for the Brazilian Grand Prix, has cast a somber mood over Italian fans and colleagues in the paddock.

De Adamich’s life was one steeped in passion for speed, competition, and communication. More than simply a journeyman racer, he was a man whose contribution to Italian motorsport extended far beyond the cockpit – a bridge between the golden age of racing and the millions who followed it from their living rooms.

From Touring Cars to Formula 1

Born in Friuli, Italy, in 1941, de Adamich began his career in 1962 and quickly rose through the ranks, distinguishing himself in touring cars. Driving for Alfa Romeo, he captured back-to-back European Touring Car Championship titles in 1966 and 1967, a testament to his precision and determination.

His success opened the door to F2, to sports-prototype racing – mainly with Alfa – and to F1, where he would go on to compete for Ferrari, McLaren, March, Surtees, and Brabham. Between 1968 and 1973, de Adamich took part in 30 Grands Prix, achieving two fourth-place finishes as his best results.

His career as a Grand Prix driver, however, came to an abrupt end at the 1973 British Grand Prix, remembered for its devastating first-lap pile-up triggered by McLaren’s Jody Scheckter.

De Adamich suffered serious leg injuries and was trapped in the wreckage for half an hour before being freed – a moment that effectively ended his racing days but not his connection to the sport he loved.

A Voice That Defined a Generation of Fans

After retiring in 1974, de Adamich seamlessly transitioned into television, becoming one of Italy’s most trusted and respected voices in Formula 1 broadcasting.

From 1978 to 2009, he served as commentator for Mediaset alongside Guido Schittone, forming a duo that became synonymous with motorsport coverage in Italy. His insight, warmth, and authenticity endeared him to fans who saw in him not just a journalist, but a racer who spoke their language.

His contributions were formally recognized in 2022 when he was named “Commendatore” of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

De Adamich is survived by his wife, whom he married in 2010, and their three children. His passing leaves a void in both Italian racing and television – a loss felt by all who admired his grace, intellect, and lifelong devotion to the sport.

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