Former F1 team boss Ted Toleman passes away aged 86

Ted Toleman, founder and team boss of the eponymous F1 outfit, has passed away at the age of 86.

After success in junior categories, Toleman and his operation stepped up to F1 in the early 1980s, before handing Ayrton Senna – who would go on to become a legend of the sport – his F1 debut.

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Senna and Toleman announced themselves to the world with a stunning run to second at the rain-hit Monaco Grand Prix in the Brazilian’s rookie 1984 season, giving the British team their best-ever F1 result in the process.

Toleman scored two further podiums with Senna in Great Britain and Portugal that year, while they also claimed a sole pole position when Teo Fabi beat the weather conditions at the 1985 German Grand Prix.

After five seasons in F1, which yielded 26 points, Toleman sold up to Benetton in a move that saw the squad rebranded for the 1986 campaign.

Toleman’s list of F1 drivers also included Brian Henton, Derek Warwick, Bruno Giacomelli, Johnny Cecotto, Stefan Johansson, Pierluigi Martini and Piercarlo Ghinzani.

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Meanwhile, the likes of Rory Byrne and Pat Symonds – engineers who would enjoy legendary careers in the sport – started their F1 journeys with the team.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, led the tributes to Toleman as news of his passing broke on Thursday morning.

“I am saddened to hear that Ted Toleman has passed away,” said Domenicali. “He gave so much to Formula 1 and his achievements and legacy will always be part of our history. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”