Héctor Rebaque

Héctor Alonso Rebaque (5 February 1956 - Present): Mexican racing driver and businessman from Mexico City who competed in Formula One from 1977 to 1981 and founded Mexico's first Formula One team. Progressed through Mexican national motorsport during the 1970s before securing financial backing to pursue a Formula One career. Made his Formula One debut mid-season in 1977 with the Hesketh team, driving an outdated year-old Hesketh 308E-Ford. In six qualification attempts with Hesketh, managed to qualify only once at Hockenheim for the 1977 German Grand Prix before retiring from the race with engine problems.

Founded Rebaque in 1978, establishing Mexico's first and only Formula One team, entering a privateer Lotus 78-Ford with Mexican sponsorship. Raced the Lotus 78 throughout 1978 and early 1979, struggling to match the pace of works teams but gaining valuable experience running his own operation. In collaboration with Penske Cars, developed the Rebaque HR100 for the final three Grands Prix of 1979, competing in a car bearing his own name. The HR100, designed by Penske's engineers, proved uncompetitive and Rebaque failed to qualify for any of the three races entered.

Mid-way through 1980, replaced Ricardo Zunino as Nelson Piquet's teammate at Brabham-Ford, joining one of Formula One's top teams. Remained with Brabham through 1980 and 1981, achieving the best results of his Formula One career alongside the Brazilian who would win the 1981 World Championship. Achieved three fourth-place finishes during his Brabham tenure: at the 1981 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, 1981 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, and 1981 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Finished 10th in the 1981 World Drivers' Championship with 11 points, his best and final championship position.

Participated in 58 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, scoring a total of 13 championship points across four seasons. Left Formula One at the end of 1981, transitioning to CART IndyCar racing in the United States for 1982. Won the 1982 Road America 200 in his CART rookie season, demonstrating that his talent flourished with competitive machinery. Retired abruptly from oval racing following a frightening testing incident at Michigan International Speedway one week after his Road America victory, deciding that the risks of high-speed oval racing were unacceptable.

Following his racing retirement, transitioned into business, establishing several successful architectural firms across Mexico. Operated multiple architecture and design companies, applying his business acumen to real estate development and urban planning projects. His Rebaque team's existence from 1978-1979 represented Mexico's only venture as a Formula One constructor, a brief but significant chapter in Mexican motorsport history. Known for bringing substantial Mexican sponsorship to Formula One during his career, helping raise the sport's profile in Latin America.

As of 2025, continues operating his architectural businesses in Mexico, having successfully transitioned from motorsport to commercial success.