SIR STIRLING MOSS has been hailed as being in the same class as Muhammad Ali and Pele after the motorsport legend passed away on Sunday.
Moss, who was 90, died peacefully in his London home in Mayfair with his wife by his side after a long battle against illness.
Lady Moss said: “It was one lap too many. He just closed his eyes.”
Moss was a gentleman, a brilliant racer and iconic sportsman who made history as the first Brit to win his home GP in 1955.
He was arguably the best driver not to win the Formula One world title, finishing runner up four times and was third on three occasions.
Current world champion, Lewis Hamilton, led the tributes to “the racing legend”.
He said: “Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I certainly will miss our conversations.
“I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.
Hamilton added on his Instagram about how the two of them struck up an unlikely friendship.
Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades.
Lewis Hamilton
He wrote: “Goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend. I think it’s important that we celebrate his incredible life and the great man he was.
“Saying goodbye is never easy and can be sad but he will always be here, in our memories and will always be such a huge part of British motorsport’s heritage.
“I certainly will miss our conversations. To be honest, it was such an unusual pairing, our friendship.
“Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades.
“I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Hamilton and Moss’s Mercedes team also posted a message on social media.
Mercedes said: “Today, the sporting world lost not only a true icon and a legend, but a gentleman.
“The team and the Mercedes Motorsport family have lost a dear friend. Sir Stirling, we’ll miss you.”
Former F1 team boss turned TV pundit, Eddie Jordan, added: “Stirling was one of the greatest drivers ever.
“He was all powerful. He was was the one person that transcended the sport. He had this great talent and wanted to get out and race because he loved it so much.
“When I was growing up, Stirling Moss was one, Muhammad Ali was another and Pele. They had an aura.”
The President of Formula One’s governing body, Jean Todt, said: “A very sad day.
“Stirling Moss left us after a long fight. He was a true legend in motor sport and he will remain so forever. My thoughts go out to his wife Susie, his family, his friends.”
David Coulthard, President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), said: “Sir Stirling had been a member of the BRDC since 1948, also the year he competed in the first race meeting held at Silverstone.
“Since then he has been an extremely loyal member and a true ambassador for our club.
“Sir Stirling had a unique and raw talent behind the wheel, loved his racing and lived life to the full.
“A truly great character and gentlemen who will be sorely missed by all who had the fortune of knowing him.
“I would like to add my most sincere condolences to Lady Susie Moss, their son Elliot and to his daughter Allison on their loss. Ciao Stirling!”
