#5 Peter Revson
Peter Revson was an American racing driver who competed in Formula 1 during the 1960-70s. Born on February 27, 1939, in New York City, Revson came from the prominent REVLON cosmetics family, linking him to wealth, celebrities, and pop culture. Revson was a fan favorite known for his good looks, charm, and talent behind the wheel. Revson's interest in racing began at a young age after moving to Hawaii to attend University and started racing in the Associated Sports Car Club of Hawaii. He briefly pursued his motorsport career in the United States before going to Europe to compete in Formula 2 and 3.
Revson would enter the 1964 Monaco Grand Prix under his team, Revson Racing, where he failed to qualify. Revson Racing competed in a few other F1-sanctioned races during the 64' season but had no real success, with a best finish of thirteenth at the Italian Grand Prix. Revson would also compete in non-championship-sanctioned F1 races and have two top-five finishes.
After a non-impressive year in F1, Revson would return to the United States in 1965 to primarily focus on the Can-Am and Trans-am series.
Revson spent most of the 1966 and 1967 seasons in the Can-am series, with a few USAC entries with a best finish of thirteenth at Phoenix. Unfortunately, tragedy would strike the Revson family when his brother, Doug, was killed in a Formula 3 Race in Denmark in 1967. Revson would spend 1968 driving Can-Am for carroll shelby with a best finish of fourth place at Road America. Revson spent the 1969 season competing in USAC racing, winning a race at Indianapolis on the road course. Revson would also make his first attempt at the Indianapolis 500, qualifying 33rd and finishing in 5th.
In 1970 Revson raced in the 12 hours of Sebring with Hollywood star Steve McQueen's Solar Productions Racing Porsche 908. Revson heavily carried the team due to Mcqueens foot injury from a recent motorcycle accident. They finished in 2nd place, behind the Ferrari of Mario Andretti. Mcqueen was a massive star then, which boosted Revson's celebrity and got the attention of Mclaren's Indy car team, which he would later drive the Indy 500 for them that year, finishing 22nd. Revson would drive the 1970 Can-Am series for Carl Haas, having three podiums out of ten races.
1971 Indianapolis 500 Pole PETER REVSON, MARK DONOHUE, BOBBY UNSER
1971 would be a standout year for Revson, driving full-time for Mclaren. Revson Started the Indianapolis 500 from the pole position and finished second. Revson would take over for Mclaren Can-Am after the recent passing of Mclaren founder Bruce Mclaren during a testing session in the Mclaren Can-Am car. Revson dominated the 71' Can-Am season with five wins; he became the first American to win the Can-AM championship. Revson would get another chance at the F1 grid in 1971, competing with Tyrrell at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen but retired with mechanical issues.
For the 1972 season, Revson would drive for Mclaren's Formula 1 and the Can-Am teams, having four F1 and three Can-Am podiums. For Yardley Formula 1, he had an exceptional season with four podiums; he would finish in the top 5 in six of the twelve races, finishing fifth overall in the Driver's Championship.
Revson was driving at a very high level; momentum was building up to a breakthrough in 1973 when he won his first Formula 1 race at the British Grand Prix held at Silverstone. He drove the McLaren M23 to victory, outperforming the likes of Stewart, Peterson, Regazzoni, Ickx, and Fittipaldi. This win solidified his reputation as a competitive driver and a serious contender for the Formula 1 World Championship. Revson would finish the 73' season with another win at the Canadian Grand Prix, giving him two wins, four podiums, and eight top-5 finishes. In 1973 Revson would also get engaged to the 1973 Miss World, Majorie Wallace.
Peter Revson 1973 British Grand Prix Winner
In 1974, Revson moved to the Shadow team, but the car's performance was subpar, and he struggled to achieve good results. Then, on March 22, 1974, during practice for the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, Revson's Shadow-Ford suffered a suspension failure, causing a crash that resulted in his untimely death at the age of 35.
Revson's death was a significant loss to Formula 1 and the world. He is remembered for his talent, determination, and charisma. His legacy lives on as one of the most talented American drivers to have competed in Formula 1, and racing fans worldwide fondly remember his contributions to the sport.
