The Forgotten Tragedy At Watkins Glen | F1 Stories

[@verdiguy]

I don't know whether I'd call Francois' death a forgotten tragedy. 1973 was my first year watching Formula One on TV with my father. My first race was the Dutch Grand Prix and Sir Jackie Stewart, who has always been my favourite driver won the race, which was overshadowed by the horrific death of Roger Williamson and the amazing heroism of David Purley. As a result, I always knew just how dangerous the sport I was beginning to love could be. Francois was a magnetic, charismatic figure and talented at so many things, including being a first rate pianist. An an eight-year-old, I found his death shocking, though of course I wouldn't learn the exact details of the accident that took his life for many years. You mentioned that he was willing to learn from Jackie and in a tragic sense, had he taken that particular corner as Jackie suggested he did, he might not have lost control of the car and crashed. And then Jackie left. The 1974 race was even worse as Helmuth Koinigg was decapitated. I still can't believe that it's been fifty years since Francois died. Would he have been World Champion in 1974 as Jackie predicted? Who knows as Fittipaldi had a terrific car at his disposal that year. Thank you for a well-presented and balanced look and this remarkable, if short-lived young man. As long as I'm around, he'll never be forgotten.

[@tukamadafuka]

Dont worry I'm only in my late 20s and I'll never forget Francois. Its pinned in my memory as Sir Jackies last year and I remember in a interview he said that was a massive contribution.

[@elisabethmontsalvy]

Neanche io dimentico Francois Cevert.💔💔💔

[@altinsilsile36]

Actually Francois was decapitated as well.

[@stevehobbs1199]

What a nice comment, well done that man

[@gustavoantonelli]

Emmo was very regular, besides his wins. I think that Ferrari, especially Clay Regazzoni, was the real loser that year.

[@francescaroat2076]

He was a great and beautiful guy! Never forget him!😢

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Not sure this is forgotten. 1974 however, very much is though. Any time Jackie Stewart is brought up, Cevert's death gets mentioned in some way. Helmuth Koinigg is however forgotten

[@deanothemanc5281]

Cevert was the epitomy of cool. Ridiculously handsome (I say that even as a straight bloke) plus a bloody good driver. Rip legend. Great video, informative and interesting, great stuff.

[@motelghost477]

A straight bloke with a weird taste in men.

[@markgaffney4187]

Tragic day, I was at the toe of the boot for Helmuths crash.

[@mrkipling2201]

I would say that this is one of the more well-known fatal crashes in F1.

[@ozyfran72]

Good video. It is a different Jean-Pierre, Beltoise, not Jabouille who will come later. 6 October is the date when France has his first world champion with Prost in Brands Hatch 85 too.

[@carlaspinall7418]

So sad to die so young francois r.i.p☹️🏎️

[@saragrant9749]

Francois is definitely not forgotten. He’s spoken about pretty often whenever the Glen is discussed. Helmuth Koinnig is the one who is unfortunately forgotten.

[@overspray6057]

I arrived at the track that Saturday shortly before the accident. Just met up with some friends in the parking area just outside the track off Bronson Road. As we were walking into the track we heard the a announcement. We didn't go to see it even thought we were right there.

[@Commander-McBragg]

Def not forgotten, dude.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I don't know about forgotten, but his crash to this day remains a bit confounding. How someone so skilled lost control, and how the car travelled the way it did (left/right/left) and managed to mangle the barrier the way it did with such violence. Even Stewart who drove the "esses" later was trying to grasp how it happened. I suppose at some point someone in the future will make an animated film breaking down what happened in detail.

[@PaulRothwell-qo4qf]

Cervert would had been world champion at some point no matter what 🤷‍♂️ such a shame , R I P Francois 🙏🙏👌🥲🏎️

[@sidrutty5080]

Cevert sister married JP Beltoise who is shown in the photographs but not mentioned.

[@parmbirsingh5185]

It's sad because Stewart really loved him as a friend

[@vincentbareau798]

Horrible death He was cut in half by the armco

[@terrymansfield2813]

He drove over his head at a time when safety was only a minor concern. My issue is the Glen is reason cervert and others are dead. He'll JDs accident his tire came flying off about 75 yards from where he hit the armco. Don't blame The Glen for Cervert or JD. make the cars stay together.

[@gustavoantonelli]

I don't forget this tragedy.

[@motelghost477]

Nobody watches science, they watch human DRAMAS unfold.

[@nonnayoubuzinnes1669]

He looked a bit like Maldini the Milan player

[@jayjay252]

Forgotten? No.

[@geoffhipwell2198]

ANOTHER poorly secured 'safety' barrier!!

[@bretz9276]

Numbers were interesting

[@donholmes4476]

Formula One needs to return to both Kyalami & The Glen, people will continue to get killed in racing regardless of circuits or not!

[@terrymansfield2813]

I'm tired of hearing about this crash. I lived 30 minutes from the Glen and worked at the Glen as well. At that time in ALL racing safety wasn't always talked about. Cervert totally over drove that area of a high horsepower track. Other drivers acknowledged that as well that Cervert messed up. Yes the barriers were not up today's standards But neither were Monacos at that same time. Let it go.

[@denisjeux1020]

Someone died maybe have some compassion or don't leave comments that show no empathy. This is someone's family member

[@chrisstone8560]

Terry you need help. Get some..

[@Numb217]

Remember when they shut it down in either 1975 or 1976 because some hooligans drove a greyhound bus into the bog and set it on fire?

[@stevehobbs1199]

What a crappy coment, you Sir have no class at all, thumbs down for you I think. 👎

[@stevehobbs1199]

👎

[@AlejandroPerez-lp6qq]

No tenía talento para ser corredor de autos . Disculpen mí opinión.

[@pattidale7968]

.you're excused. If Jackie Stewart saw a World champion in Cevert I definitely would .