F1 Legend Jody Scheckter Loses Driving Licence in I…read more
Jody Scheckter, the only African Formula 1 World Champion, has revealed that he has lost his legal ability to drive after his English licence expired, and he has been unable to meet the requirements to obtain a new one in Italy, where he now resides. At 75 years of age, Scheckter—who clinched the F1 world title with Ferrari in 1979—acknowledges that he is unlikely to pass the local driving test due to his limited Italian-language skills.
Born in the Cape Province of South Africa in 1950, Scheckter made history when he became Formula 1’s first and only African world champion, securing the title during a fiercely contested 1979 season. Driving for Ferrari, he managed to outperform team-mate Gilles Villeneuve—father of future champion Jacques Villeneuve—and cemented his legacy in motorsport. After retiring from Formula 1 in 1980, Scheckter turned his attention to business and farming, ultimately becoming a successful entrepreneur and settling in the United Kingdom.
However, in recent years, Scheckter has opted to make northern Italy his permanent home. This decision was deeply personal and symbolic, aligning him geographically with the legendary Ferrari team’s headquarters—an organization that played a pivotal role in his racing career. After living in England for decades, Scheckter had continued using his English driving licence while residing in Italy. Yet, the licence has now expired, and Italian laws require residents to hold a valid local permit if they wish to continue driving in the country.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Scheckter expressed his frustration at the bureaucratic impasse he now faces. “The problem is that I speak Italian very badly; I can’t possibly pass the test,” he admitted candidly. “I was able to drive with my licence for a year, but now it’s expired.”
Despite his age and storied career, the inability to drive has significantly impacted his everyday life. “I chose Italy as my country; this is where I want to live,” he explained. But now, Scheckter finds himself dependent on others for transport or facing legal and administrative hurdles to regain his freedom behind the wheel.
The situation illustrates the challenges aging expatriates can face when dealing with legal and language barriers in a foreign country. While Scheckter may be a motorsport icon, the rules apply to all residents, regardless of past fame. It’s a humbling experience that underscores how life off the track can be just as complicated as any grand prix weekend.
To find a resolution, Scheckter has employed the services of a lawyer to explore potential legal workarounds or exemptions that could allow him to resume driving without having to pass the full Italian driving test. Whether such a solution is possible remains to be seen, but the former champion is determined to explore every option.
Scheckter’s career remains a standout chapter in the history of Formula 1. Making his F1 debut with McLaren in 1972, he participated in a single race before returning for a more consistent season in 1973. His talent caught the attention of Tyrrell Racing, who gave him his first full-time seat in 1974. Over the span of just nine years, Scheckter accumulated 10 grand prix victories and 33 podium finishes before stepping away from the sport at the top of his game.
While he no longer races competitively, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence clearly remain with him—even if that now includes navigating Italian traffic laws instead of tight hairpins at Monza.
