The First American on the Grid

Harry Schell raced in the World Championship from its first season in 1950 until 1960, finishing second at Zandvoort in 1958.

Born in Paris to American parents, Harry Schell made his debut at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the first American driver to start a Formula One Grand Prix. Through the early 1950s he drove for Maserati and Gordini, among others, sometimes in privately entered cars.

He raced for Ferrari and Vanwall in 1955 and was back in a Maserati in 1957, when he finished third at the Pescara Grand Prix. Moving to BRM in 1958, he took second place at the Dutch Grand Prix, his best result. His last championship start came at the 1960 Argentine Grand Prix, his 63rd. He died that May in a practice crash at Silverstone before a non championship race.

0 world titles, 0 wins, 0 pole positions, 63 starts.

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