Karl Wendlinger

Karl Wendlinger (December 20, 1968 - Present): Austrian racing driver born in Kufstein who competed in Formula 1 from 1991-1995. Won the 1989 German Formula 3 Championship, earning a drive with Mercedes-Benz sportscar team for 1990, sharing the Sauber-Mercedes C11 with Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Continued with Mercedes sportscars in 1991 alongside Formula 3000. Mercedes team boss Jochen Neerpasch placed him in F1 with Sauber, and he remained when Mercedes officially returned in 1994 as engine supplier.

Scored a point at the 1994 season opener in Brazil and finished fourth at San Marino. During Monaco 1994 practice, suffered a massive crash at the Nouvelle Chicane, resulting in severe head and neck injuries that put him in a coma for several weeks. Returned for 1995 but performed poorly and was replaced before Monaco, one year after his accident. Participated in 41 Grands Prix with a best finish of fourth, scoring 12 career points.

Post-F1, won the 1999 FIA GT Championship with Olivier Beretta. Since 2012, has been involved with Mercedes-AMG as a driver and ambassador.