“We are very saddened by the news of his death. Jochen Mass was a driver with depth. One who could understand the car like few others”, says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsports. “He had an excellent feel for technology and for everything that makes a team strong. We are losing a remarkable driver and a trusted companion who was with us for many years. His legacy extends well beyond his success – it lives in memories, in stories and in his way of thinking about motorsports. Our thoughts are with his family”.
Jochen Mass was born on 30 September 1946 in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria. His journey into motorsport did not begin in the cockpit, but rather on the high seas: as a young sailor, he circumnavigated the world for three years. Only after this was he drawn to technology – and to the race track – and completed an apprenticeship as a car mechanic. When the regular driver at the Alfa Romeo dealer Hähn was absent due to illness in 1968, Mass stepped in and proved his talent. It was not a long-planned début, but marked the spontaneous start of an extraordinary career.
His success speaks for itself: European Touring Car Champion in 1972, European runner-up in Formula 2, from 1973 he competed 105 times in Formula 1 – and won the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975. Until the Schumacher era, he was one of the most successful German Formula 1 drivers by points.
But Mass was to find his true home in endurance sport – and at Porsche. Between 1976 and 1987, he was a permanent member of the works team. He drove racing cars such as the 935, 936, 956 and 962 with passion, courage and precision. Together with fellow drivers such as Jacky Ickx, he celebrated consecutive victories, shaped championships – and his name was synonymous with reliability, not only due to his constant close contact with race engineers such as Norbert Singer. When the partnership with sponsor Rothmans was formed, it was Mass who helped establish it with vision and finesse.
In 1992, Mass ended his active career. His sporting record is impressive: More than 400 races, 105 Grand Prix starts, 71 World Championship points, winner of the German Racing Championship, European Touring Car Champion, Porsche Cup winner, German Sports Car Champion, Le Mans winner with Sauber Mercedes.
Even after retiring, he remained connected to racing – as a popular speaker, heritage ambassador and bridge builder between generations. Whether at trade shows such as Retro Classics, classic car events or media events organised by Porsche Heritage and Museum, people of all ages listened gladly to his unique stories.
Jochen Mass is survived by his wife Bettina and four children. Porsche AG mourns the death of one of the family – with gratitude, respect and deep affection.
