...a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.

Phil Hill, the USA's first Formula One World Champion and the only American-born driver ever to win the title, has died in California, aged 81.

The Florida-born driver’s early success came in sports car racing; he won the Sebring 12 Hours and Le Mans 24 Hours in 1958. But a glittering Formula 1 career ensued following Mike Hawthorn's retirement from Scuderia Ferrari at the end of 1958. Hill stepped into Enzo's team as a full-time driver and won his first Grand prix at Monza in 1960. Following that, he then secured the world title at the same circuit a year later.

His championship was tinged with sadness, though. Team-mate, Wolfgang Von Trips, was killed after a collision with Jim Clark, and 15 spectators were also killed in the accident.

Hill, who had won his first ever motor race in 1949, won his last, the BOAC 500 at Brands Hatch in 1967. After retiring from motor sport, his energy was spent running his classic car restoration business, but he regularly attended Grands Prix, as a popular presencer in the paddock.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo led tributes to Hill, saying: “I, as well as all employees of Ferrari, am extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.”

A book of remembrance is open at the Phil Hill website: www.philhill.com/