Jochen Mass dead: F1 race winner dies aged 78 as family release emotional statement

Former star Jochen Mass has died after complications from a stroke he suffered earlier this year. The German, who was 78, won the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix and landed seven further podiums during a nine-year F1 career.

Back in March, it was revealed that Mass was recovering from a 'medical emergency'. In an emotional statement, his family have now confirmed that the former McLaren driver has died. His death was caused by complications following a stroke he suffered in February.

"Today we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and a racing legend," Mass' family wrote in a statement on his Instagram page. "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Jochen Mass has died today due to complications following a stroke he suffered in February, earlier this year.

"Thank you to everyone for the incredible support we have received. Every single message of positivity was relayed to him, giving him peace and comfort in his last days.

"Beyond mourning his death, we also celebrate his incredible life. A life that he loved sharing with all of you. A life that he lived to the absolute fullest. He is racing with all his friends again."

Mass started 105 races during his F1 career. His only victory, in Spain, came amid tragedy. He had retaken the lead in his McLaren when the street race was red-flagged due to an accident that killed four people. Although the result stood, only half of the points were awarded as less than 60 per cent of the race had taken place.

His best years came during his three years with McLaren. All eight of his podium finishes, including his solitary race win, came in that period between 1974 and 177.

Later in his motorsport career, Mass won 24 Hours of Le Mans for Sauber in 1989. He entered a total of 12 editions of the endurance race.

Alongside his racing duties with Sauber, Mass acted as a mentor on Mercedes' young driver programme. He oversaw the formative years of future F1 icon Michael Schumacher, in addition to Karl Wendlinger and Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Much of Mass' success in motorsport came in sportscar racing. He finished his career with 32 world championship victories. Towards the end of his life, Mass worked as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.