Who Is Sir Jack Brabham – the Namesake Behind the Stunning Australian GP Trophy?

Every F1 driver dreams to win on the Melbourne circuit to lift the Australian GP trophy. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most famous trophies because of its name and unique design that is connected to the Australian F1 legend, Sir Jack Brabham.

But the unique steering wheel shape of the Australian GP trophy resembles not only any random car’s steering wheel. But it resembles the steering wheel of Jack Brabham’s 1959 Cooper-Climax T51. Further, the entire Australian GP has a huge connection to the legendary Aussie driver.

F1 Australian GP Trophy Name

The Australian GP Trophy is actually called the Jack Brabham trophy. This prestigious award is named after the very man whose car’s steering wheel inspired the design of the race trophy. The Australian is one of the best drivers in not only F1 but in motorsport history.

He bagged three drivers’ world championships and two constructors’ championships in his  15-year-long F1 career. Further, he is the only man in the F1 history to win with a car of his own name, Brabham. Undoubtedly, the Aussie legend deserved the honor that the current Australian GP trophy has his name.

How did Sir John Arthur Brabham get into F1?

The three-time world champion was not only a great driver but also a mechanic. But many wouldn’t know that Jack Brabham served in the Royal Australian Air Force as a mechanic during World War II.

ALSO READ: Remembering 10 Fascinating Facts About Legendary F1 Champion Ayrton Senna

After the war, Brabham started his engineering business, but the Aussie soon got into midget car racing. It is a motorsport where small cars have powerful engines and run on a dirt track. In 1955, the Australian engineer moved to England to drive for Cooper in Formula One. The Aussie bagged his first F1 race win after four years at Monaco. Eventually, he won two championships with Cooper.

However, John left Cooper to start his own F1 team. The Aussie won the 1966 title with his own car, Brabham BT19. The Australian driver was awarded the Order of Australia and Order of the British Empire for his contribution to F1. Further, he became the first man in F1 history to be knighted. Later in 1990, his name was also added to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Where is Sir Jack Brabham buried?

The legendary driver died on May 19, 2014, when he was 88-years-old and was fighting liver disease. Brabham died at his house on Gold Coast, Australia when he was having breakfast with his wife Margaret Brabham.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton risks angering neighbors again at his 23 million mansion

After his death, Margaret scattered his ashes on the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk. It was the Australian F1 legend’s last wish, as he loved Skywalk and was a frequent visitor there. The Aussie might not be among us anymore, but his name still lives on with the Australian GP.