Graham Whitehead

Alfred Graham Whitehead (15 April 1922 - 15 January 1981): British racing driver and engineer from Harrogate, Yorkshire, who participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. Made his Formula One debut and sole championship appearance at the 1952 British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 19 July 1952, driving a Formula Two Alta. Qualified for the race at Silverstone, competing during the period when Formula One was contested under Formula Two regulations due to a lack of Formula One entries. Finished 12th in the race, completing the distance but well down on the leaders, scoring no championship points (only the top five finishers scored points in 1952).

Began racing in 1951 driving his half-brother Peter Whitehead's ERA (English Racing Automobiles), a British-built racing car from the pre-war and immediate post-war period. Competed in several non-championship Formula One races beyond his single world championship appearance, demonstrating consistent participation in British motorsport during the early 1950s. Beyond Formula One, enjoyed considerable success in sports car racing throughout the 1950s, competing in various endurance events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Achieved his greatest sports car result at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing second overall in an Aston Martin DBR1, coming agonizingly close to winning the world's most prestigious endurance race.

The 1958 Le Mans runner-up finish came just weeks before a tragic accident at the Tour de France automobile race in which his half-brother Peter Whitehead was killed. Graham escaped serious injury in the accident that claimed Peter's life, demonstrating the extreme dangers of 1950s motorsport when fatal accidents were tragically common. Following Peter's death, continued racing with an Aston Martin DBR1 and Ferrari 250 GT, honoring his half-brother's memory by continuing their shared passion. Competed until the end of 1961 before retiring from active motorsport, ending a decade-long racing career that spanned both single-seaters and sports cars.

After retiring from racing, worked as an engineer, applying his technical knowledge gained from racing to his professional career. Passed away on 15 January 1981 at age 58 in Lower Basildon, Berkshire. Though his Formula One career consisted of a single 12th-place finish, Whitehead's second place at Le Mans and consistent performances in British motorsport during the 1950s established him as a respected competitor who narrowly missed achieving lasting fame in the sport's most prestigious events.