Inspired by Jean Behra

Patrick Depailler was a Formula One driver from France who participated in 95 Grand Prix. As a child, he was inspired by the exploits of Jean Behra. Talented and charismatic like his hero, Depailler won the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix for Tyrrell and the 1979 Spanish Grand Prix for Ligier.

In 1966, he went to the Winfield School at Magny-Cours in order to try and win the Volant Shell. He lost out to François Cevert but Jean-Pierre Beltoise noticed his immense motivation and convinced Alpine to sign Patrick on a three-year contract.

Patrick then raced in French F3 and drove in sports cars for Alpine, winning many races. This led to an offer from John Coombs to race in F2 with a March in 1972. Pushed by ELF and Coombs, Patrick made his F1 debut with Tyrrell at the 1972 French Grand Prix at Charade, Clermont Ferrand (picture-below), alongside Jackie Stewart and… François Cevert.

In December 1973, Depailler was chosen with Scheckter to drive full-time for Tyrrell in 1974, to replace the deceased François Cevert and retired Jackie Stewart. Patrick had arrived where he dreamed to be since the Volant Shell: in the F1.