When Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi takes to the track in Melbourne in March, he’ll be the 25th Swiss driver to participate in a Grand Prix weekend. Given that motorsport was banned in the country for much of the 20th century, Switzerland has proved a surprisingly fertile breeding ground for driving talent over the years. We take a look at who Buemi will be aiming to emulate…
Clay Regazzoni
Regazzoni was by far the most successful Swiss-born Formula One driver. After memorably taking fourth place on his F1 debut - for Ferrari - at the 1970 Dutch Grand Prix, he scored a maiden win at Monza just four rounds later. His remains one of the all-time best debut seasons and Enzo Ferrari duly rewarded him with a permanent contract for 1971.
Jo Siffert
Apart from Regazzoni, former motorcycle racer Siffert - ‘or Seppi’ as he was affectionately known - remains the only other Swiss driver to have won a Grand Prix. He made his Formula One debut as a private entrant, driving a Lotus-Climax, in 1962. After two years spent honing his craft, he joined the Rob Walker team. It was a relationship that would last six years and culminate in a win at the 1968 British Grand Prix.
Marc Surer
Celebrated for his performances in the wet, Marc Surer’s best F1 finish from an eight-season career was a remarkable fourth place - he started the race 18th - for Ensign at the 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix. Despite enduring serious leg injuries in two heavy accidents, he fought back to match that result with Brabham in 1985 at Monza, but he never quite made the podium and 13th was his best finish in the drivers’ championship. His racing career ended the following year with a rallying crash that claimed the life of his co-driver. Since then Surer has continued his long-term association with BMW, enjoying roles in management, driver instruction and TV commentating.
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