Nigel Mansell CBE

Nigel Mansell CBE is a motor racing legend, recognised as one of the most talented British Formula One drivers of all time. Hugely determined, immensely aggressive and spectacularly daring and with his win or bust approach – 31 wins and 32 crashes – he became the most successful British driver and ranks third in the world in fastest laps, fourth in wins and fifth in poles.

Mansell began his F1 career in 1981 as part of the Lotus team and received his first podium after only 5 races. Just 4 years later, the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch saw his first win. In a span of 18 months he won 11 races.

In 1986, Nigel was awarded the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and in 1989 he made his debut for Ferrari winning his first race for the Italian team in Brazil.

Nigel returned to the Williams team in 1991 with the sole goal of winning the World Championship.

The 91 season was successful and the following year on the 16th August in Hungary his dream became reality: to stand on the podium as the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion. In the same year, Nigel Mansell was once again named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

As reigning F1 champion, Nigel made the move to CART, becoming the first person to ever win the CART title in his debut season, and making him the only person to hold both titles simultaneously. In 1994, Williams persuaded him to return for the final four races, the last of which, in Australia, he won in stunning fashion from pole position.

After 187 hard races in 15 tumultuous seasons, 41-year-old Mansell retired from Formula One.