Background
Rodríguez was born in Mexico City and was a child cycling champion who switched to motorcycles in domestic competition from the age of 14.
Formula One driver motorcycle racer racecar driver
Rodríguez was born in Mexico City and was a child cycling champion who switched to motorcycles in domestic competition from the age of 14.
In 1957 he made his international debut at Riverside, beating all comers in the under 1.5 litre class in a Porsche RS. He was refused an entry at Le Mans in 1956, but went back in 1959 to race an OSCA in the 750cc. class. In the edition of 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960 he partnered André Pilette to second place. At 18 years and 133 days of age, he was the youngest ever to stand on the podium at Le Mans.
Rodríguez was given a guest drive by Ferrari for the 1961 Italian Grand Prix, qualifying a surprise second and becoming the youngest driver in history to start from front row (19 years and 208 days).
In the race he exchanged the lead with Philosophy Hill and Richie Ginther many times, until a fuel pump failure ended his race. 1962 saw a full works drive with Ferrari, who used him sparingly considering his age and rough edges.
Whenever used, Rodríguez shone, taking second at the Pau Grand Prix, fourth at the Belgian Grand Prix and sixth at the German Grand Prix in a tough year in Formula One for Ferrari. He signed to drive Rob Walker"s Lotus 24, but died during the first day of practice, when the Lotus" rear right suspension failed at the fearsome Peraltada turn, and it hit the barriers killing him instantly.
He was 20 years old and his death provoked national mourning in Mexico.
lieutenant serves as register for Rodríguez memorabilia and cars, certifying them, and its Secretary General Carlos Jalife published their biography in 2006. Complete Formula One World Championship results
(key)
Formula One Non-Championship results
(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap).