Peter Hirt

Peter Hirt (March 30, 1910 - June 28, 1992): Born in Switzerland, this former sweets salesman transformed himself into a competitive racing driver and successful businessman, founding an engineering company that continues to bear his name in the town of Nanikon to this day. Hirt enjoyed racing as a passionate pastime rather than a profession, demonstrating the spirit of the gentleman driver that characterized much of early motorsport. His talent became evident when he captured the 1949 Swiss Hillclimb Championship, a victory that inspired him to test himself at the highest level of circuit racing. This success gave him the confidence to try Grand Prix racing beginning in 1950.

In 1952, Hirt was pleased to join forces with fellow Swiss driver Rudi Fischer when the pair ran Formula 2 Ferraris under the Ecurie Espadon (Swordfish) banner, creating a privateer Swiss racing team that competed against the established factory entries. Between 1951 and 1953, Hirt participated in five World Championship Grands Prix, making his debut on May 27, 1951. He primarily drove the older Ferrari 212 car with modest results, finding it difficult to match the pace of the more competitive machinery. Late in 1953, he had an opportunity to drive the team's Ferrari 500 at Bremgarten, but this would prove to be his final appearance at the major level of international motorsport.

While Hirt was unable to score World Championship points during his Formula One career, his participation represented the important role that privateer entrants and gentleman drivers played in populating the grids during Formula One's early years. Beyond Grand Prix racing, he competed in various non-championship events and remained active in Swiss motorsport circles. After retiring from racing, Hirt focused on his successful engineering business, which flourished and established a lasting legacy beyond his racing exploits. He passed away on June 28, 1992, at the age of 82, having enjoyed a full life that encompassed competitive motorsport, business success, and personal fulfillment.