Albert François Cevert Goldenberg, a renowned French racing driver, embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of motorsports, leaving an indelible mark on the Formula One World Championship. Born on February 25, 1944, Goldenberg's life was tragically cut short on October 6, 1973, but his achievements on the track continue to inspire and fascinate to this day.
Throughout his illustrious career, Goldenberg participated in a total of 48 World Championship Grands Prix, a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. His impressive performance yielded a solitary win, 13 podium finishes, and a cumulative total of 89 career points, a feat that solidified his position as a formidable force in the world of Formula One.
As a racing driver, Goldenberg's skill and expertise were matched only by his unyielding perseverance and competitive spirit. His remarkable journey may have been cut short, but his legacy continues to be celebrated and honored by fans and fellow drivers alike.
Charles Goldenberg, the father of the renowned driver, Jean-Pierre Cevert, was a Parisian jeweller who fled Russia as a young boy to escape the harsh realities of persecution. This courageous act was a testament to his resilience and determination to start anew in a foreign land. During the tumultuous period of World War II, Charles Goldenberg took a stand against the oppressive forces of the war by joining the French Resistance. By doing so, he managed to avoid the forced deportation to Poland that was a constant threat to registered Jews like himself.
In a bid to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing unwanted attention, Charles Goldenberg and his wife, Huguette Cevert, made the strategic decision to register their four children, Jean-Pierre and his three siblings, under Huguette's surname, Cevert. This clever move allowed the family to blend in seamlessly with the general population, reducing the risk of being targeted by the Nazi regime.
Jean-Pierre Beltoise, a renowned Grand Prix driver, happened to be the brother-in-law of the illustrious racing driver, François Cevert. Cevert's remarkable motorsport journey began at the tender age of 16, where he initially started racing his mother's Vespa scooter, gradually progressing to his own Norton motorcycle as his skills and confidence grew.
After fulfilling his National Service obligations, Cevert made the transition to cars, embarking on a training course at the prestigious Le Mans school. His thirst for racing knowledge and expertise led him to enroll at the renowned Winfield Racing School, situated at the esteemed Magny-Cours circuit.
Cevert's remarkable talent and dedication ultimately earned him the coveted Volant Shell scholarship, which came with the prize of an Alpine Formula Three car. This prestigious award marked a significant milestone in his racing career, providing him with the ideal platform to hone his skills and pursue his dreams in the world of motorsport.
The inaugural season of François Cevert's Formula 3 career did not quite live up to his expectations, however, he was able to secure sponsorship for the 1968 season, which enabled him to upgrade from his Alpine to a Tecno car.
As a result of this change, Cevert's performance improved significantly, as he began to win races and ultimately go on to become the French Formula 3 Champion, narrowly edging out his close competitor, Jean-Pierre Jabouille.
Building on this success, Cevert joined the works Tecno Formula Two team in 1969, where he finished an impressive third overall, competing in the F2 class of the prestigious 1969 German Grand Prix.
Jackie Stewart, a renowned Grand Prix driver, struggled to outmaneuver the talented young Frenchman, François Cevert, during an F2 race at Crystal Palace. Stewart's frustration with Cevert's exceptional driving skills prompted him to share his concerns with his team manager, the astute Ken Tyrrell. Tyrrell took note of Stewart's recommendation and subsequently played a pivotal role in securing Cevert's position within the Formula One team in 1970.
