Photo credit: Porsche
Porsche announced the death of Jochen Mass, a former factory driver who passed away on May 4, 2025, in Cannes, France, at the age of 78. Mass joined Porsche’s works racing team in 1976 and remained a key figure through 1987. Over more than a decade, he piloted marques such as the 935, 936, 956 and 962, earning consecutive endurance victories and helping to shape championship campaigns alongside teammates like Jacky Ickx. His technical insight and close collaboration with engineers—including longtime Porsche technical director Norbert Singer—were widely credited with enhancing the performance and reliability of the team’s cars.
Born on September 30, 1946, in Dorfen, Bavaria, Mass first circumnavigated the globe as a young sailor before turning to automotive mechanics and racing. His talent quickly emerged in 1968 when he took over for an ill factory driver at an Alfa Romeo dealership and impressed observers with his natural ability. He won the European Touring Car Championship in 1972 and competed in 105 Formula 1 Grands Prix, including a victory at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. Mass remained one of Germany’s most successful drivers until the rise of later champions.
After retiring from competition in 1992 with more than 400 race starts, Mass served as an ambassador for classic car events and a popular speaker at Porsche heritage gatherings. He is survived by his wife Bettina and their four children. Thomas Laudenbach, Porsche’s vice president of motorsport, paid tribute to Mass’s deep understanding of race cars and his lasting influence on the brand’s racing history. Porsche extends its condolences to his family and honors his contributions to motorsport.