Hans Binder

Hans Binder (12 June 1948 - Present): Austrian racing driver from Zell am Ziller, Tyrol, who competed in Formula One from 1976 to 1978. Won the 1972 European Formula Ford Championship, demonstrating his single-seater racing talent and earning progression toward Formula One. Moved into Formula Two in 1976, competing in the competitive European series while securing his Formula One opportunity. Participated in 17 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, achieving 13 race starts but failing to score any championship points, with a best finish of eighth place at the 1977 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Made his Formula One debut at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix at the Österreichring, his home race, driving an Ensign N175-Ford. Qualified 19th but retired after 47 laps with mechanical failure, a disappointing end to his debut at home. Also competed at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway, driving a Wolf-Williams FW05-Cosworth, demonstrating versatility across different teams. For 1977, raised the necessary sponsorship to secure a full-season seat with the Surtees team, running the Surtees TS19 throughout the year.

When his sponsorship money ran out mid-season, moved to the German ATS team for three races, experiencing the challenges faced by pay drivers when funding dried up. Returned to Surtees toward the end of the 1977 season after securing additional backing, demonstrating the precarious financial situation of midfield Formula One drivers. His best Formula One performance came at the 1977 Dutch Grand Prix where he finished eighth with Surtees, just outside the points-paying positions (only the top six scored points during this era). In 1978, attempted to qualify for his home Austrian Grand Prix with ATS but failed to make the grid, a disappointing conclusion to his Formula One career.

Failed to qualify for the race and subsequently disappeared from the Formula One scene, ending his grand prix ambitions. After leaving Formula One, returned to the family business Binderholz GmbH, a timber products company based in Austria that has grown into one of Europe's largest wood processing enterprises. Remained involved in the timber industry throughout his post-racing career, successfully transitioning from motorsport to business. As of 2025, Binder continues his involvement with Binderholz, which has become a major employer in the Tyrol region.

His Formula One career exemplified the challenges faced by talented drivers without substantial financial backing during the 1970s, when securing and maintaining a competitive seat often depended more on sponsorship than pure driving ability.