Eric Thompson

Eric David Thompson (4 November 1919 - 15 May 2015): British racing driver from Chiswick, West London, who competed in Formula One from 1952 to 1953, participating in 3 World Championship Grands Prix without scoring points. Made his Formula One debut at the 1952 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, driving a privately-entered Connaught. Also competed at the 1952 Dutch Grand Prix and the 1953 British Grand Prix, with his best result being 11th place at the 1952 British GP, finishing seven laps down on the leaders. Raced exclusively for Connaught Engineering, the small British manufacturer based in Send, Surrey, that competed in Formula One during the 1950s with limited success.

Thompson was one of Connaught's most loyal privateer drivers, helping develop their cars through the early 1950s. His racing career was typical of British gentlemen racers during Formula One's formative years, combining competition with his business interests. Beyond Formula One, competed in British national motorsport events including club races, hillclimbs, and sports car competitions at circuits throughout England. Thompson represented the amateur sportsman-driver ethos that characterized early British motorsport, racing for the love of competition rather than financial reward.

After retiring from racing in the mid-1950s, Thompson returned to his business career and remained a supporter of British motorsport. Remarkably lived to age 95, passing away in 2015, making him one of the longest-lived former Formula One drivers. His longevity allowed him to witness Formula One's transformation from amateur gentleman's sport to global professional spectacle.