Mercedes’ X account paid tribute to the German driver, who passed away yesterday at the age of 97: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Hans Herrmann.

“Hans raced for Mercedes in F1 during 1954 and 1955, enjoying a glittering and varied motorsport career with wins at Le Mans and the Targa Florio. Forever an icon of the Silver Arrows. Rest in peace, Hans.”

Hans Herrmann, born in Stuttgart on 23 February 1928, competed in Formula 1 between 1953 and 1961, lining up for teams such as Mercedes, Maserati and BRM.

Although he never stood on the top step of a Grand Prix podium, he became well known for repeatedly escaping serious accidents unscathed — a trait that earned him the nickname “Hans im Glück” (“Lucky Hans”).

His most competitive season in Formula 1 came in 1954, his first year with Mercedes, when he finished seventh in the drivers’ standings. The following campaign proved far more difficult, ending in 22nd place and bringing his spell with the Silver Arrows to an end.

Herrmann’s true legacy was forged in endurance racing. Alongside his Formula 1 commitments, he took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans every year without interruption from 1953 onwards, before later focusing fully on sports car racing.

After leaving Formula 1, he became a Porsche works driver and reached the pinnacle of his career in 1970, when he claimed overall victory at Le Mans in the iconic Porsche 917K, shared with Richard Attwood — a historic success that marked Porsche’s first outright win at the event.

He retired shortly after that landmark triumph but remained a highly respected figure in motorsport.