Aldo Gordini

Aldo Gordini (20 May 1921 - 28 January 1995): French racing driver born in Bologna, Italy, the son of Amédée Gordini, the legendary 'sorcerer' who owned and operated the French sports car manufacturer and racing team Gordini. While often confused as the team founder, Aldo was actually the son of the founder and worked primarily as a mechanic and occasional driver for the family racing operation. Aldo participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix on 1 July 1951 at the French Grand Prix, qualifying 17th but retiring his Simca-Gordini T11 on lap 27 with valve trouble while running in last place, scoring no championship points. In 1946, as Amédée Gordini rebuilt his racing team following World War II, Aldo joined him as a mechanic, working on the technical side of the operation.

He took up racing Gordini cars just after World War Two and took a notable class win in the 1949 Coupe de Salon at Montlhéry, demonstrating he had inherited some of his father's talent behind the wheel. Aldo drove primarily in Formula 2, mostly in a Gordini T11, and participated in two F1 races total, one of which had non-championship status. That same year, 1951, he also drove for the Gordini team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but fuel pump problems forced him out of the race early. Aldo retired from racing in 1951, choosing to focus on the mechanical and business side of the family operation rather than pursuing a full-time driving career.

While his father Amédée became one of Formula One's legendary figures—earning the nickname 'le sorcier' (the wizard) for his engineering genius and developing future champions like Jean Behra and José Froilán González—Aldo remained in the background, supporting the family business. The Gordini team competed in Formula One from 1950 to 1956, becoming known for their light blue cars and David versus Goliath battles against better-funded teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo. While Gordini never won a World Championship Grand Prix, they achieved numerous podium finishes and established a reputation for innovation and determination. Aldo Gordini died in Paris on 28 January 1995 at age 73, having witnessed his family's significant contribution to motorsport history.

While his own racing career was brief, his work behind the scenes helped support one of Formula One's most romantic and beloved privateer teams.