Hermann Lang

Hermann Lang (6 April 1909 - 19 October 1987): German racing driver from Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart, who dominated Grand Prix racing in the late 1930s before returning for a brief Formula One career in the 1950s. Born into a working-class family, was forced to leave school at age fourteen to support his family following his father's death. Found employment as a motorcycle mechanic, eventually purchasing his own used motorcycle and beginning amateur racing. Became German sidecar mountain race champion in 1931, demonstrating his early racing talent on two wheels.

Lang's breakthrough came when he secured employment at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart, initially working as a mechanic before joining their legendary Grand Prix racing team. Appointed head mechanic for the Mercedes-Benz W25A to be driven by Italian star Luigi Fagioli, who had left Alfa Romeo to join Mercedes' powerhouse factory team alongside Rudolf Caracciola. Graduated from mechanic to racing driver for Mercedes, competing alongside Caracciola and Manfred von Brauchitsch during the dominant Silver Arrows era of the late 1930s. Had his greatest season in 1939 when he won five of eight Grand Prix races started, including victories at the Belgian Grand Prix, Grand Prix de Pau in France, Swiss Grand Prix, and his third consecutive Tripoli Grand Prix.

Won the 1939 European Championship (predecessor to the modern World Championship), establishing himself as the world's top racing driver on the eve of World War II. Just before the Second World War, Lang was considered the greatest racing driver in the world, the equivalent of Michael Schumacher or Mika Häkkinen of his era. The war interrupted his racing career at his absolute peak, robbing him of what should have been his most successful years. Returned to racing in 1949 at age 40, competing in sports car events before transitioning to Formula Two racing in the early 1950s.

Won the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans at age 43, teaming with Fritz Riess to drive a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL to victory in one of sports car racing's most prestigious events. Made his Formula One World Championship debut in 1953 at age 44, driving for Maserati after one of their regular drivers was injured. Competed in two Formula One races in 1953, achieving his best result of fifth place at the Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten. When Mercedes-Benz returned to Grand Prix racing in 1954, Lang rejoined the team driving the revolutionary Mercedes W196, reuniting with his Silver Arrows heritage.

At age 45, struggled to match the pace of younger teammates Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Karl Kling, being replaced in several races throughout the 1954 season. His Formula One career ended at the 1954 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring when he spun out after just 10 laps, a disappointing conclusion to his grand prix comeback. Recognized that age had diminished his reflexes and competitiveness, wisely retiring from racing and returning to his job at the Mercedes factory in Stuttgart. Remained with Mercedes-Benz for the rest of his working life, maintaining connections to the company he had served as both mechanic and champion driver.

Passed away on 19 October 1987 at age 78 in Bad Cannstatt. Though his Formula One career in the 1950s was modest, Lang's 1939 European Championship and status as the world's best driver before World War II secured his legacy as one of pre-war racing's greatest champions.