Tony Brooks (racing driver)

Charles Anthony Standish "Tony" Brooks (25 February 1932 – 3 May 2022) was a British racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1956 to 1961. Nicknamed "the Racing Dentist", Brooks was runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1959 with Ferrari and Vanwall, and won six Grands Prix across six seasons.

Born and raised in Dukinfield, Brooks was the son of a dental surgeon. He began motor racing in 1952, driving sportscars at club events until he progressed to Formula Two in 1955. That year, Brooks debuted in Formula One machinery at the non-championship Syracuse Grand Prix with Connaught, becoming the first British victor in a British car in Grand Prix motor racing since 1923. He made his World Championship debut at the 1956 Monaco Grand Prix with BRM.

Joining Vanwall for 1957, Brooks took his maiden win at the British Grand Prix, sharing the victory with Stirling Moss. He finished third in the World Drivers' Championship in 1958, and runner-up to Jack Brabham the following season after his move to Ferrari, taking multiple victories across both seasons. Brooks joined BRP in 1960—driving a privateer Cooper T51—and departed without a podium finish. In 1961, he took his final podium at the United States Grand Prix with BRM, retiring at the conclusion of his campaign; he achieved six wins, three pole positions, three fastest laps, and 10 podiums in Formula One, in addition to his non-championship race win.

Outside of Formula One, Brooks was successful in sportscar racing, winning the 1957 1000km of Nürburgring and the 1958 RAC Tourist Trophy, driving the Aston Martin DBR1. He also entered four editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1955 to 1958 with Aston Martin.