Ricardo Rodríguez (racing driver) facts for kids
Ricardo Rodriguez, Ferrari 156, Practice, 1962 Dutch Grand Prix
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| Born | 14 February 1942 Mexico City, Mexico |
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| Died | 1 November 1962 (aged 20) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Formula One World Championship career | |
| Nationality |  Mexican |
| Active years | 1961–1962 |
| Teams | Ferrari |
| Entries | 6 (5 starts) |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 4 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1961 Italian Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1962 Italian Grand Prix |
| 24 Hours of Le Mans career | |
|---|---|
| Years | 1959–1962 |
| Teams | OSCA Automobili N.A.R.T. SpA Ferrari SEFAC |
| Best finish | 2nd (1960) |
Ricardo Valentín Rodríguez de la Vega (born February 14, 1942 – died November 1, 1962) was a super talented Mexican racing driver. He competed in the exciting world of Formula One racing in 1961 and 1962.
Ricardo was the very first Mexican driver to ever take part in a Formula One Grand Prix. When he raced for Ferrari at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix, he was only 19 years old. This made him the youngest driver to race for the famous Ferrari team for a long time! He also became the youngest driver to start a Formula One race and the youngest to start from the front row. Later, he was the youngest to score points in Formula One. Sadly, Ricardo passed away at just 20 years old, making him the youngest Formula One driver to die.
His older brother, Pedro, was also a very famous racing driver. Pedro had a lot of success in both sports car racing and Formula One. He even raced for Ferrari in 1969. Sadly, Pedro also died in a racing accident.
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Ricardo's Early Life
Ricardo was born in Mexico City, Mexico. When he was a child, he was a champion in cycling. But by age 11, he switched to racing motorcycles in competitions in Mexico.
He was the third son of Pedro Natalio Rodríguez and Concepción "Conchita" de la Vega. He had three brothers: Pedro, Federico, and Alejandro, and one sister, Conchita.
Racing Career Highlights
Ricardo won many national motorcycle titles. After that, he started racing cars, beginning with his own small Fiat Topolino.
In 1957, he made his first international race appearance at Riverside. He beat everyone in the under 1.5 liter class while driving a Porsche RS. He then won his class again in a Porsche Spyder at the Nassau Tourist Trophy. Ricardo often raced for the North American Racing Team (NART) with his brother Pedro. Sometimes, he even entered races under his own team's name, Scuderia Rodríguez.
Racing at Le Mans
Ricardo wanted to race in the famous Le Mans race in 1958. But he was too young, only 16 years old, so he wasn't allowed to enter.
He returned in 1959 to race an OSCA car. In the 1960 Le Mans race, he teamed up with André Pilette and they finished in an amazing second place! At just 18 years and 133 days old, Ricardo became the youngest driver ever to stand on the podium at Le Mans. This means he was one of the top three finishers in this very tough endurance race.
Formula One Adventures
In 1961, Ferrari invited Ricardo to race in the 1961 Italian Grand Prix. It was a big surprise when he qualified in second place! This made him the youngest driver in history to start from the front row of a Formula One race. During the race, he even led for a while, battling with other top drivers. Unfortunately, a fuel pump problem ended his race early.
In 1962, Ricardo became a full-time driver for Ferrari. Even though he was young, he showed his talent. He finished second at the Pau Grand Prix, fourth at the Belgian Grand Prix, and sixth at the German Grand Prix. He also won the 1962 Targa Florio race with his teammates Olivier Gendebien and Willy Mairesse in a Ferrari 246 SP.
A Tragic End
Many people thought Ricardo Rodríguez would become a future Formula One champion. However, Ferrari decided not to enter the 1962 Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City. Ricardo really wanted to race in his home country, so he signed up to drive a Lotus 24 car for Rob Walker's team.
Sadly, during an unofficial practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix, Ricardo had a terrible accident. The rear suspension of his Lotus car failed at a dangerous corner called Peraltada. The car crashed into the barriers, and Ricardo died instantly. He was only 20 years old. His death caused a lot of sadness across Mexico.
Today, a foundation called Scuderia Rodríguez A.C. (made up of friends and family) works to keep the memory of Ricardo and his brother Pedro alive. They help register and certify Rodríguez memorabilia and cars. A book about their lives was published in 2006, with an English version in 2009 that won an award.
See also
In Spanish: Ricardo Rodríguez de la Vega para niños
