“Wild” Willy Mairesse
12. Mar 2026
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Willy Mairesse (1928–1969) was a Belgian racing driver known for his extreme speed, aggressive driving style, and a career defined by both great success and tragic accidents. Nicknamed “Wild Willy” and “Mad Mairesse,” he was a factory driver for Ferrari in both Formula 1 and sports car racing.
Key Racing Highlights:
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- Formula 1: He participated in 13 World Championship Grands Prix, debuting at the 1960 Belgian Grand Prix. He achieved one podium finish, placing third at the 1960 Italian Grand Prix.
- Sports Car Success: Mairesse was exceptionally successful in endurance racing. His major victories included:
- Targa Florio (1962): Won driving a Ferrari 246 SP.
- Spa 500 km (1963): Won in a Ferrari 250 GTO.
- Liège-Rome-Liège (1960): A legendary victory in one of the toughest rallies of the era.
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Photo below: Willy Mairesse’s burning Ferrari after his collision with Trevor Taylor’s Lotus during the 1962 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Mairesse was pulled from the wreckage by Taylor and spectators.
Categories:
Formula 1, Endurance, Monza, Italian Grand Prix, Targa Florio, Willy Mairesse, Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari, Belgium, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963
Source: LAT
