Born in Paris, France, in 1943, Jacques Laffite was a latecomer to motorsport, beginning his racing career in his mid-twenties and making his first race start at the age of 26. Nevertheless, his talent quickly became evident. After winning the French Formula 3 Championship at the age of 30, he emerged as one of the sport’s most promising drivers.

In 1974, Laffite made his Formula One debut late in the season with the newly established Iso Marlboro team. Results were difficult to come by, and he failed to finish several races. His primary focus that year was the European Formula Two Championship, where he claimed one victory and finished third overall.

The following season, he contested a full F1 campaign with Williams. Although results were generally hard to achieve, he produced a remarkable drive at the German Grand Prix, finishing second after starting 15th on the grid. At the same time, he competed in the European Formula Two Championship with Martini, winning six races and securing the championship title. His reputation rose dramatically as a result.

In 1976, Laffite joined the newly formed French team Ligier and focused his efforts on F1. He quickly established himself as a frontrunner, recording three podium finishes and ending the season seventh in the championship. The following year, he claimed his long-awaited first Grand Prix victory at the Swedish Grand Prix. He remained with Ligier through 1982, scoring six wins during that period. His maiden victory was historic, marking not only his first F1 win but also the first victory for Ligier and the first for a French Formula One team.

Laffite returned to Williams in 1983 and consistently fought for points throughout the season. However, F1 had entered the turbo era, and Williams, still powered by the naturally aspirated DFV engine, struggled to compete against the increasingly dominant turbocharged cars. The latter part of the season proved particularly difficult, and Laffite ultimately finished 11th in the championship.

In 1984, Laffite contested the full season in the Honda-powered FW09. The early part of the year was plagued by retirements, but one of the highlights came at the Dallas Grand Prix. In a chaotic and demanding race that teammate Keke Rosberg won to deliver the first victory of Honda’s second Formula One era, Laffite drove a composed and experienced race, climbing from 24th on the grid to finish fourth. It was a season of development for both Williams and Honda, but the breakthrough victory hinted at the success that would follow.

In 1985, now in his forties, Laffite returned to Ligier. Back with his former team, he rediscovered his competitiveness and scored three podium finishes, ending the season ninth in the championship. He remained with Ligier in 1986, joined by fellow Frenchman René Arnoux. With a French team, French drivers, and Renault engines, the project carried the hopes of French motorsport. Laffite began the season strongly with a third-place finish in the opening race. However, at the British Grand Prix he was caught in a major accident and suffered fractures to both legs.

The race marked his 176th Grand Prix start, equalling Graham Hill’s record for the most Formula One starts. Despite determined efforts to recover and return to racing, Laffite was unable to resume his career and therefore never surpassed the record he had equalled.