Gerhard Berger

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Gerhard Berger is an Austrian former Formula One driver and motorsport executive. He was born on 27 August 1959 in Wörgl, Tyrol, Austria.

F1 career
Berger competed in Formula One from 1984 to 1997, driving for ATS, Arrows, Benetton, Ferrari and McLaren. He started 210 Grands Prix, won 10 times, stood on the podium 48 times, claimed 12 pole positions and 21 fastest laps, and scored 385 points. His best championship finishes were third place in 1988 and again in 1994, both with Ferrari. His first F1 win came in 1986 at the Mexican Grand Prix with Benetton, and his last win came in 1997 at the German Grand Prix, also with Benetton. Berger also won races with Ferrari and McLaren, and he was part of McLaren’s Constructors’ title-winning teams in 1990 and 1991 alongside Ayrton Senna. Notably, he recorded a top speed of 351.22 km/h (218.23 mph) at Monza in 1986, the fastest Turbo era straight-line speed.

Accidents and highlights
In 1984 Berger survived a serious road crash near Salzburg, breaking his neck but making a full recovery and returning to racing the next season. He became well known for his speed and skill, and for forming a strong on-track partnership with Senna at McLaren from 1990 to 1992, contributing to McLaren’s success during that period.

Later career and leadership
After his driving career, Berger stayed deeply involved in motorsport. He served as Competitions Director for BMW, helping oversee BMW’s return to Formula One in 2000. He held a 50% stake in Scuderia Toro Rosso from 2006 to 2008. Berger was President of the FIA’s Single Seat Commission from 2012 to 2014 and, in 2017, became chairman of ITR, the promoter of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM).

Personal life
Berger comes from Tyrol; his father ran a truck company. He married Ana Corvo in 1995; they separated in 2013 and have five children. His nephew is Lucas Auer, a racing driver.