jack brabham f1 Page 27

Sir Jack Brabham was the Aussie who rattled Formula 1’s tea set, winning three world titles—1959, 1960 (with Cooper) and 1966 (with his own Brabham-Repco). He’s still the only driver to clinch the championship in a car bearing his own name, which is a flex and a half. His early wins helped cement the rear‑engine revolution, and in ’66 he outfoxed the new 3.0‑litre rules with a torquey, reliable Repco V8 while rivals grenaded engines for sport. He co-founded the Brabham team with Ron Tauranac, retired in 1970, and was knighted in 1979 for services to motorsport. An Australian legend: cool head, quick hands, and engineering nous to match.