Hans Herrmann remembered by Porsche and Mercedes-Benz

Porsche and Mercedes-Benz confirm the death of Hans Herrmann, the legendary racing driver and Le Mans winner, outlining his career and lasting motorsport legacy

Hans Herrmann, one of the defining figures of post-war international motorsport, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 97. His death was officially announced by both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, the two manufacturers most closely associated with his racing career, underlining his importance to motorsport history.

Born in Stuttgart on February 23, 1928, Herrmann entered motorsport in the early 1950s and quickly established himself as a highly versatile and consistent competitor. In 1954, he joined the Mercedes-Benz works team and became part of the legendary Silver Arrows era. Driving the Mercedes W 196 R in Formula One and competing in sports car races, he proved his speed and technical understanding alongside teammates such as Juan Manuel Fangio.

At the 1954 French Grand Prix in Reims, Herrmann recorded the fastest lap in Mercedes-Benz’s debut season after the brand’s return to Grand Prix racing. That year, he achieved two podium finishes, placing third at the Swiss Grand Prix and again at the AVUS race in Berlin. His Formula One career was interrupted in 1955 when he suffered a serious injury during practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, forcing him to step away from competition for an extended period.

Following Daimler-Benz’s withdrawal from factory racing in late 1955, Herrmann continued his career across a wide range of disciplines. He competed in Formula One and Formula Two, sports car racing, rallies, and endurance events, earning a reputation as one of the most adaptable drivers of his generation. Many of his greatest achievements came behind the wheel of Porsche race cars.

Among his most significant victories were his overall win at the Targa Florio in 1960 and success at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1968. The defining moment of his career arrived in 1970, when he claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 917K. The result marked Porsche’s first overall win at Le Mans and became a milestone in endurance racing history. After that triumph, Herrmann chose to retire from active competition.

Even after stepping away from racing, Herrmann remained closely connected to the sport. He served for many years as a Mercedes-Benz Heritage brand ambassador, regularly participating in historic driving events and maintaining a strong presence within the classic motorsport community.

Hans Herrmann’s passing marks the end of an era. The fact that both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz paid tribute to him reflects his rare status as a driver who left a lasting legacy with two of the most iconic names in automotive history.