Gerhard Berger - the epitome of Formula One from days gone by

Gerhard Berger experienced racing and Formula 1 in his own unique way.

Gerhard Berger in Brazil in 1989.

He didn't leave a mark with his sporting achievements because he wasn't the fastest, although he wasn't a bad driver. He raced for the top teams of the time, always managing to get paid very well. He had a cheeky personality and always managed to make friends with his teammates. A master of all kinds of pranks, especially on poor Ayrton Senna, he always prioritized having fun. Light-hearted, he took everything lightly, even though he knew how to focus on the races when necessary. And, above all, women, numerous and beautiful. A compulsive playboy in every moment of the day. And how could anyone ask otherwise, given that he was rich, came from a family whose father owned an international logistic company, was handsome, friendly and even a Ferrari driver. And with a keen sense of friendship, we remember the special one with Senna and Alesi. A cheerful disposition but also an exceptional coolness. We remember him joking about his near-death accident at the wheel of a Ferrari and walking in and out of the hospital room where his best friend Ayrton Senna supposedly died, without betraying any emotion. But. above all, Gerhard Berger was always a true gentleman, a gentleman driver, capable of bringing a smile to anyone who spoke of him.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari 412T2 during the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 14, 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Recently, now in his later years, he said that today he would have appreciated every minute of his time at Ferrari, whereas at the time it had seemed like any other moment in his career.

Gerhard Berger in Hungary in 2007.

In short, a protagonist of Formula 1 of his time, so different and colorless today.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari.

Gerhard Berger, born 27 August 1959, is an Austrian former racing driver and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One for 14 seasons, twice finishing third overall in the championship in 1988 and 1994 with Ferrari. With 210 starts, he is amongst the most experienced Formula One drivers of all time. His first and last victories were also the first and last victories for the Benetton team, with eleven years separating them. He was also a race winner with Ferrari and with McLaren. When at McLaren, Berger drove alongside Ayrton Senna, contributing to the team's 1990 and 1991 constructors' titles. Berger retired in 1997 with 10 wins, 12 pole positions, 21 fastest laps and 48 podiums in Formula One. Berger returned to Formula One in 2006 as the co-owner of Toro Rosso, before selling his 50% share back to Red Bull at the end of the 2008 season.

Gerhard Berger with Ayrton Senna at the Grand Prix of Portugal in Estoril on 22 September 1991. Photo by Paul-Henri Cahier / Getty Images.

"He taught me a lot about our sport, I taught him to laugh." Those words were Gerhard Berger's valediction to his friend Ayrton Senna.

During the years that Berger was at McLaren (1990–1992), he became most famous for his humorous side. Popular accounts tell of many ingenious practical jokes thought up by the Austrian to break through to his serious, focused and unyielding teammate Ayrton Senna. Senna accepted the challenge and as both were spurred on by team manager Ron Dennis, the practical joking escalated. Accounts tell of an incident at Monza where Senna had been showing off his new tailor-made briefcase while riding in a helicopter with Berger. Having been made of carbon fibre composite, Senna argued that it was virtually indestructible. Berger opened the door of the helicopter and threw the briefcase out, to Senna's disbelief. Berger asserted that he only sought to innocently test the hypothesis. Berger later recounted further events before the 1990 Australian Grand Prix. "After dinner, we started to throw people in the swimming pool, all dressed. As I was good at defending myself, I escaped from the bath, but many people got wet. Senna ran away to avoid us from getting him. However, later, I went to his room and he awkwardly threw a glass of water at me. For a Tyrolean, that was nothing, but it did mean that the game was now on. With a hose, we improvised an extension to the fire extinguisher and we put it under his room door at three in the morning. We invited some people to watch and when we pushed the lever, Senna flew out of the window like a rocket. It looked like a bomb had exploded inside the room. The confusion woke many people up, who started to scream at Senna for making so much noise. He was terribly embarrassed." In an Australian hotel room, Berger filled Senna's bed with frogs. An infuriated Senna confronted Berger, who replied, "did you find the snake?" Senna retaliated by putting strong-smelling French cheese in the air conditioning unit of Berger's room. On another occasion, Senna and Brazilian compatriot Maurício Gugelmin decided to fill Berger's shoes with shaving foam on a fast train ride to a dinner in Japan. The Austrian was forced to attend the dinner wearing a tuxedo with running shoes. A further incident followed in which Berger replaced Senna's passport photo with what Ron Dennis described as "an equivalent-sized piece of male genitalia" (although other media accounts refer to a black pair of breasts, while Berger contends he snipped a woman spreading her legs in a ‘Playboy’ magazine he had taken). Senna's fame meant he rarely had his passport checked, but on a later trip to Argentina, Berger's prank resulted in officials holding the Brazilian for 24 hours. In response to this gag, Senna superglued all of Berger's credit cards together. On another occasion Berger deliberately provoke Senna, under the influence of a few unfamiliar Schnapps, to confront a mouthy Eddie Irvine at Suzuka in 1993.

Gerhard Berger with Jean Alesi, Luca di Montezemolo and Jean Todt during the Argentinian Grand Prix at Autodromo Juan y Oscar Galvez on 09 April 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Berger's pranks continued at his new team for 1993, Scuderia Ferrari. Specifically, at the Fiorano Circuit a day before the launch of that season's new F1 car, Berger and his then new teammate, Jean Alesi, decided to take a nearby roadcar for a spin. Unbeknownst to them, that roadcar was team director Jean Todt's new specially made Lancia Y10. Because of the view that Alesi was driving conservatively, Berger decided to apply the handbrake causing the Lancia to flip upon their return to the pits, skidding upside down centimeters away from their yet-to-be unveiled new F1 car. Alesi was sent to the hospital. Later when Todt enquired about his roadcar, Berger conceded the two had put some "slight curb marks on the roof."

Gerhard Berger fans at the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on 12 August 1990. Photo by Sutton Images.

If you could avoid being on the receiving end of Berger's jokes, it was not hard to see why he was so tremendously popular within the paddock in his driving days.

Gerhard Berger during the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15, 1986. Photo by David Hutson / LAT Images.

Berger's helmet originally was blue with yellow lines and azure and white details near the visor. In 1986, during his first spell at Benetton, he used a different design that complimented the livery of the Benetton BMW.

Gerhard Berger's helmet during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet on April 12, 1987. Photo by LAT Images.

In 1987 his helmet was dark grey-blue, featuring the Austrian flag on either side. For the 1995 Portuguese Grand Prix Berger sported a helmet featuring flags of multiple nations.

Fifth place finisher Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412 T2, sported a different helmet design, the result of a competition run in an Italian newspaper, at the Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril on 24 September 1995. Photo by Sutton Images.

The top was painted to resemble the Austrian flag and 'NO WAR IN THE WORLD' at the rear. The special design was a result of a winning entrant for a one-off competition. In 1996 Berger modified his original design with the Austrian flag rotated horizontally.

 

Photo gallery

Gerhard Berger, Arrows A8 BMW, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on May 19, 1985. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Arrows A8 BMW, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on May 19, 1985. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger with some girls in the Netherlands in 1985.

Gerhard Berger, Arrows A8 BMW, leads Teo Fabi, Toleman TG185 Hart, during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on September 15, 1985. Photo by Lat Images.

Gerhard Berger, Arrows A8 BMW, during the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami on October 19, 1985. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Benetton, in 1986. Photo by Peter Heil.

Gerhard Berger and Teo Fabi with women in traditional clothing during the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez on April 13, 1986. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Benetton B186 BMW, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on May 11, 1986. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger in Canada in 1986.

Gerhard Berger in USA in 1986.

Steering wheel and dashboard detail on Gerhard Berger’s Benetton B186 BMW during the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 06, 1986. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger in Germany in 1986.

Gerhard Berger during the Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 12, 1986. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger and a Ferrari in 1987.

Gerhard Berger in Belgium in 1987.

Michele Alboreto, Ferrari F1-87, leads Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F1-87, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on May 31, 1987. Photo by Lat Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, at Monaco in 1987.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F1-87, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on May 31, 1987. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his partner at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 31, 1987. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger in France in 1987.

Gerhard Berger in action with his Ferrari in Austria in 1987.

Gerhard Berger in action with his Ferrari in Austria in 1987.

Gerhard Berger with his partner in Austria in 1987.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F1-87, has his car worked on by mechanics in the pits during the Portuguese Grand Prix at Circuito Estoril on September 20, 1987. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger's plane during the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuito de Jerez on September 27, 1987. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger on the top step of the podium in Japan in 1987.

The 1987 Formula 1 driver lineup in Australia.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in 1988.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari at San Marino in 1988.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari at San Marino in 1988.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F187-88C, during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 01 May 1988. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger at Monaco in 1988.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F187-88C, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 15 May 1988. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Michele Alboreto and Alboreto's wife Nadia at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 15, 1988. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F187-88C, is refuelled during the Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on 29 May 1988. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Gerhard Berger on the podium of the 1988 Mexican Grand Prix.

The Ferrari F187-88C cars of Michele Alboreto and Gerhard Berger are worked on in the pit lane during the Detroit Grand Prix on 19 June 1988. Photo by Lat Images.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari in Germany in 1988.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari in Belgium in 1988.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari in Italy in 1988.

Gerhard Berger in his Ferrari in Portugal in 1988.

Gerhard Berger with the 'Suzuka Race Queens' at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on October 30, 1988. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, testing in 1989.

Gerhard Berger's girlfriend Ana Corvo during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet on March 26, 1989. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 640, during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet on 25 March 1989. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger’s accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1989.

Gerhard Berger after his accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1989.

Gerhard Berger’s helmet after his accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1989.

Gerhard Berger in bed after his accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1989.

Gerhard Berger recovering after Imola 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 640, during the German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring on 30 July 1989. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Germany in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Germany in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Belgium in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Belgium in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Italy in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Italy in 1989.

Gerhard Berger and Alain Prost on the podium in Italy in 1989.

Alain Prost, 1st position, Gerhard Berger, 2nd position, Thierry Boutsen, 3rd position and Jean-Marie Balestre, in conversation with Boutsen, on the podium in front of the tifosi and their flags after the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 10 September 1989. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Australia in 1989.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in USA in 1990.

Gerhard Berger during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autódromo José Carlos Pace on 25 March 1990. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger on the podium with Ayrton Senna and Jean Alesi in Monte Carlo in 1990.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in Canada in 1990.

A Marlboro grid girl for Gerhard Berger in Belgium in 1990.

Gerhard Berger and Ayrton Senna spray champagne at the end of the 1990 Belgian Grand Prix.

Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger and Alain Prost at the end of the 1990 Belgian Grand Prix.

Gerhard Berger with Nigel Mansell in Japan in 1990.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren MP45B Honda, during the Estoril December testing at Circuito Estoril on Wednesday 12 December 1990 in Cascais, Portugal. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger drives the number 2 Honda Marlboro McLaren MP4-6 Honda V12 during practice for the United States Grand Prix on 9th March 1991 at the Phoenix street course. Photo by Pascal Rondeau / Allsport / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren MP4-6 Honda, during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 28 April 1991. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1991.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren MP4-6 Honda, leads Alain Prost, Ferrari 642, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 12 May 1991. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren-Honda MP46, at the Grand Prix of France, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, on 07 July 1991. Photo by Paul-Henri Cahier / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in Germany in 1991.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in Germany in 1991.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in Hungary in 1991.

Gerhard Berger, 1st position, celebrates on the podium with Ayrton Senna, 2nd position, at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on 20 October 1991. Photo by LAT Images.

Ayrton Senna, 2nd position and Gerhard Berger, 1st position, spray champagne on the podium at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on 20 October 1991. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 1992.

Gerhard Berger and Niki Lauda at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on 31 May 1992. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his partner at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 31, 1992. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Fifth placed Ayrton Senna talks with his McLaren team mate Gerhard Berger, who retired from the race on the opening lap with a transmission failure, at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps on 30 August 1992. Photo by Sutton Images.

Gerhard Berger, McLaren MP4-7A Honda, passes Riccardo Patrese, Williams FW14B Renault, who has spun during the Australian Grand Prix at Adelaide Street Circuit on 08 November 1992. Photo by LAT Images.

Martin Brundle, 3rd position, Gerhard Berger, 1st position and Michael Schumacher, 2nd position, on the podium of the Australian Grand Prix at Adelaide Street Circuit on 08 November 1992. Photo by LAT Images.

Martin Brundle, 3rd position, Gerhard Berger, 1st position and Michael Schumacher, 2nd position, on the podium of the Australian Grand Prix at Adelaide Street Circuit on 08 November 1992. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in South Africa in 1993.

Gerhard Berger’s accident in Brazil in 1993.

Gerhard Berger’s accident in Brazil in 1993.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F93A, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 23 May 1993. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Monaco in 1993.

Gerhard Berger and a blue road Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 23, 1993. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari F93A, during the Canadian Grand Prix at circuit Gilles Villeneuve on 13 June 1993. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Niki Lauda and Jean Todt during the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit on 11 July 1993. Photo by Jean-Marc Loubat / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger and his Ferrari after the accident in Italy in 1993.

Gerhard Berger skiing on Saturday January 01, 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger cutting a cake on Saturday January 01, 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T1, makes a pitstop during the Pacific Grand Prix at Okayama International Circuit, Japan, on 17 April 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, second, Michael Schumacher, Benetton, winner and Rubens Barrichello, Jordan, third, on the podium of the Pacific Grand Prix in Japan on 17 April 1994. Photo by Sutton Images.

Gerhard Berger with Ayrton Senna during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 01 April 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T1, during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 01 May 1994. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T1, makes a pitstop during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 01 May 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger's Ferrari crash in Italy in 1994.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 1994.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 1994.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T1, during the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona on 29 May 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Germany in 1994.

Gerhard Berger salutes the crowd as his Ferrari runs out of fuel on his victory lap after the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on 31 July 1994. Photo by Pascal Rondeau / Allsport.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T1, celebrates victory of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring on 31 July 1994. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerard Berger celebrates his victory with the Ferrari team after the German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring on July 31, 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Belgium in 1994. Photo by Franck for Motorsports-Pictures.ch.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Belgium in 1994.

Gerhard Berger unveils a plaque for the renaming of a street in Enzo Ferrari's honour during the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 11 September 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

The Gerhard Berger grid girl Christina in Italy in 1994.

Damon Hill, 1st position, Gerhard Berger, 2nd position and Mika Häkkinen, 3rd position, on the podium as the crowd unfurls an enormous Ferrari logo at the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 11 September 1994. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger sits in his Ferrari road car at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 11, 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger prepares to leave the circuit in his Ferrari road car at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 11, 1994. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Australia in 1994.

Gerhard Berger congratulates Nigel Mansell in Parc Ferme. Charlie Whiting can be seen standing beside the pair after the Australian Grand Prix at Adelaide street circuit on 13 November 1994. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in 1995.

David Coulthard before the start of the Brazilian Grand Prix while his girlfriend watches him in the background. Photo by Pascal Rondeau / Allsport.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Brazil in 1995.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, with Jean Alesi, Ferrari 412T2, during the Argentinian Grand Prix at Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez on 09 April 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy, on 30 April 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

A view of the Ferrari road car of Gerhard Berger which was stolen in Imola, Italy, in 1995 and found in UK as London Metropolitan Police announced in London, United Kingdom, on 02 March 2024. Photo by London Metropolitan Police Service / Anadolu via Getty Images.

A view of the Ferrari road car of Gerhard Berger which was stolen in Imola, Italy, in 1995 and found in UK as London Metropolitan Police announced in London, United Kingdom, on 02 March 2024. Photo by London Metropolitan Police Service / Anadolu via Getty Images.

A view of the Ferrari road car of Gerhard Berger which was stolen in Imola, Italy, in 1995 and found in UK as London Metropolitan Police announced in London, United Kingdom, on 02 March 2024. Photo by London Metropolitan Police Service / Anadolu via Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger sits in his Ferrari 412T2 as Jean Todt looks on during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Damon Hill, Williams FW17 Renault, leads Jean Alesi, Ferrari 412T2, Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2 and Johnny Herbert, Benetton B195 Renault, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

David Coulthard, Williams FW17 Renault, Jean Alesi, Ferrari 412T2, Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2 and Andrea Montermini, Pacific PR02 Ford, during the collision that blocked the track in the opening stages, causing a red flag during the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari, in Monaco in 1995.

Jean Todt and Gerhard Berger at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his wife Ana Corvo at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his wife Ana Corvo at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on 28 May 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger during the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on 11 June 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, during the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on 11 June 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger runs across the track back to the pits at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal as the crowd rushs forward to celebrate with Ferrari winner Jean Alesi on 11 June 1995. Photo by Pascal Rondeau / Allsport.

Gerhard Berger with the barmaid Christina in Hungary in 1995.

Gerhard Berger with the winners who designed a new helmet design as the result of a competition run in an Italian newspaper during the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Ferrari 412T2, during the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril on 24 September 1995. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on 29 October 1995. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger seems to be suitably impressed by a woman at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on 29 October 1995. Photo by Sutton Images.

The Formula 1 driver lineup in Australia in 1995.

Gerhard Berger was offered some pleasant company at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, Sao Paulo, on 31 March 1996. Photo by Sutton Images.

Gerhard Berger during the Argentinian Grand Prix at Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez on 07 April 1996. Photo by LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger, Benetton, in Hungary in 1996.

Gerhard Berger with his partner on 23 November 1996. Photo by Franziska Krug / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger, Benetton, in Monaco in 1997.

Gerhard Berger, Benetton, in Monaco in 1997.

The last chequered flag for Gerhard Berger, Benetton, in 1997.

Gerhard Berger skiing in December 2001. Photo by Clive Rose / LAT Images.

Gerhard Berger. BMW motorsport competitions director and Flavio Briatore, Renault F1 team manager, take an interest in the autographed girl at the European Grand Prix in Nurburgring, Germany, on 23 June 2002. Photo by Sutton Images.

Mechanics work on Gerhard Berger's McLaren MP4-5B Honda during the Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring on 29 July 2005. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Gerhard Berger and Ana Corvo at the Kitz race party in Kitzbuhel, Austria, on 21 January 2006.

Gerhard Berger and Ana Corvo at the Kitz race party in Kitzbuhel, Austria, on 21 January 2006.

Gerhard Berger and Dietrich Mateschitz pose during F1 testing at the circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, on 22 February 2006. Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his daughter Sarah, ex F1 driver Rupert Keegan and Jean Alesi at the qualifying practice of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Saturday 12 September 2009. Photo by Sutton Images.

Gerhard Berger with Luca di Montezemolo at Mugello in 2011.

Gerhard Berger in a Ferrari at the Legends parade in Austria in 2014.

Gerhard Berger and his girlfriend Helena during the Oktoberfest Opening on 20 September 2014 in Munich, Germany. Photo by Gisela Schober / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger on the podium of the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg on Sunday 21 June 2015. Photo by Luca Martini / Sutton Images.

Gerhard Berger, Sylvia Walker and Esther Sedlaczek attend the Bild Muenchen Newspaper 50th anniversary party in Munich, Germany, on 03 May 2018. Photo by Hannes Magerstaedt / Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger with his partner.

Gerhard Berger with Valentino Rossi in June 2019.

Gerhard Berger comes on 25 January 2020 with Helene to the Kitz Race Party 2020, which took place on the evening of the men's downhill race on the Streif at the Kitz Race Club in Kitzbühel, Austria. Photo by Felix Hörhager / picture alliance via Getty Images.

Gerhard Berger in his office in Wörgl.

Gerhard Berger with his red Ferrari F40 in 2020.

Gerhard Berger in his red Ferrari F40 in 2020.

Gerhard Berger with his red Ferrari F40 in 2020.

Gerhard Berger at the DTM race in Imola in 2022.

Gerhard Berger in 2023.

Gerhard Berger with Helene at the Sporthilfe Gala in Vienna in October 2023.

Gerhard Berger during FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Women's Slalom Previews, Hermann Maier Star Challenge in Flachau, Austria, on 13 January 2025. Photo by Klaus Pressberger / Sepa.Media / Getty Images.

 

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