Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham dies at age of 88

After claiming his first two world titles with Cooper, Brabham became the first driver in the history of the sport to secure a Formula 1 crown in a car of his own, having established the Brabham guise in the early 1960s.

"It's a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning," explained son David Brabham on behalf of the family. "He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind."

Brabham's motor racing career began with various outings in midget racing and hillclimbs in his native Australia, before he headed to Europe and making his Grand Prix debut with the aforementioned Cooper squad in 1955.

After a spell in sportscars and Formula 2, Brabham became a fully-fledged Formula 1 driver in 1958. He took his first victory in Monaco at the start of the following season and duly notched up the 1959 and 1960 titles.

In 1962, Brabham switched his focus to a team of his own. After a short spell competing with Lotus machinery while the first of his designs was readied, the outfit took its first win in 1964 at the hands of Dan Gurney.

Although Gurney was the man at the wheel for the first triumph, Brabham's turn to shine in his own car soon followed. He secured his third title in 1966, while Brabham took Constructors' honours in 1966 and 1967.

Brabham retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 1970 season, at the same time choosing to sell his team. Under the ownership of Bernie Ecclestone, more titles were added to the squad's list of achievements.

Brabham's three sons, Geoff, Gary and David, have all gone on to carve successful careers in motor racing, while grandsons Matthew and Sam have recently moved into the world of single seaters.

GPUpdate.net wishes to extend its condolences to the family and friends of Sir Jack Brabham.