Former Formula 1 racer Andrea de Adamich represented Ferrari, McLaren and Alpha Romeo before finding a career in television broadcasting that ensured he was an icon of the sport in Italy

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Andrea De Adamich(ITA) (Photo by David Phipps/Sutton Images)(Image: David Phipps/Sutton Images)

Former Formula 1 racer Andrea de Adamich has died at the age of 84. The former McLaren and Ferrari driver was a veteran of 34 World Championship Grand Prix.

De Adamich infamously saw his F1 career end when he was involved in a major 10-car pile-up. The first lap of the 1973 British Grand Prix at Silverstone saw the competitor suffer a broken ankle and other leg injuries.

Following his retirement, De Adamich’s profile continued to grow as he became a popular broadcaster in commentary and offering insight as a TV expert who was willing to debate on air.

The icon hosted the TV program Grand Prix on Italia 1, from 1978 through 2012. The Italian was appointed Commendatore of the Order of Merit in 2022, one of the highest civilian honours in his country.

De Adamich, born in Trieste, achieved early success by winning the Italian Formula 3 title in 1965 and subsequently being signed by Alfa Romeo. Driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, he won the European Touring Car Championship in 1966 and 1967 before making his Ferrari debut in 1968.

The driver, who also raced for March, Surtees, and Brabham, found some of his best successes in endurance competition racing alongside figures such as Piers Courage, Henri Pescarolo, Rolf Stommelen and Italians Ninni Vaccarella and Nanni Galli.

De Adamich won the 200 Miles of Buenos Aires in 1970 and the 1000 KM of Brands Hatch in England and the Six Hours of Watkins Glen in the United States in 1971. In 1974, his final season, he finished on the podium at all four 1000km races in which he took part: Monza, Nürburgring, Imola, and Österreichring.

The veteran driver also twice competed in Le Mans, finishing fourth in 1972. But his work in television earned him equal appreciation and tributes have poured in following his passing.

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Andrea de Adamich in the McLaren M14D Alfa Romeo(Image: LAT Images)

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Andrea de Adamich enjoyed racing and television success(Image: LAT Images)

“Breakfast with the warm up and Grand Prix The F1 that no longer exists,” one social media user lamented.

“Style and competence,” said a fan. “Have a good trip, Andrea. And if it weren’t for that nasty accident at Silverstone, today you would be remembered among the best Italians in F1 and not just as a TV face, because few remember it, but you were fast even with that unmanageable Surtees. Rest in peace.”

Another said: “An immense sorrow, the farewell of Andrea De Adamich. One of the voices that accompanied me in my youth, guiding me with professionalism and passion in the world of racing. I can only say thank you to him.”

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Andrea de Adamich during the Monza 1000 kms(Image: Ercole Colombo/Studio Colombo/Getty Images)

“I’ve just seen now that Andrea De Adamich has died. I’m sincerely sorry. As a child, his race commentaries and the Grand Prix show on Sunday mornings were among the things that most contributed to sparking my passion for F1,” added a further mourner.

“He was a gentleman as well as a skilled professional. It’s a shame,” said another.

A further tribute read: “Farewell to Andrea De Adamich, a true gentleman of the races. Driver instructor communicator commentator pundit. A full life. An embrace to his loved ones Rest In Peace Andrea.”