However, in 20 16, Audi announced its withdrawal from the competition. The official explanation is to participate in the electric car race, but the real reason is because of Volkswagen's emission scandal at that time. Mercedes-Benz also participated in this event, but due to an accident at 1955, Mercedes-Benz completely withdrew from motor racing for 30 years. From June 1955, 1 1 to June 12, the 23rd 24 Hours of Le Mans was held in France. 250,000 people watched the race, including Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, aston martin and Martha Raleigh. It can be said that there are many experts and the game is very fast.
The accident happened on the 35th lap of the race. Jaguar ran faster near the pit than the Austin racer in front, but the driver of the Jaguar racer suddenly saw the signal to enter the pit and slammed on the brakes in order not to miss the entrance. However, the jaguar car after the emergency lane change blocked the route of the Mercedes-Benz racer behind it, causing Mercedes-Benz to hit the left side of the jaguar car at a speed of more than 240 kilometers per hour. The Mercedes-Benz racer flew up, the vehicle disintegrated directly, the fuel tank exploded, and the Mercedes-Benz racer died on the spot.
Due to the excessive speed, car body fragments and parts flew into the nearby auditorium, causing 83 spectators to die on the spot and 120 injured. Ironically, however, the organizers at that time removed the dead and wounded, cleaned up the garbage and declared the game normal. In the end, as the perpetrator, Jaguar racer Mike hawthorne won the championship and celebrated with champagne. According to the competition at that time, Mercedes-Benz had a great chance to win the championship, and it was precisely because of this accident that Jaguar won the championship for two consecutive years in the absence of Mercedes-Benz. After that, there was great controversy about the cause of the accident. Some people say that Jaguar stopped too suddenly and blocked the route of Mercedes-Benz. Some people think that Mercedes-Benz racers have limited ability to control such a fast speed.
But in the end, the official statement is attributed to the design defects of the track. This racing accident is considered as the most serious casualty accident in the history of international racing. This directly led France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and other countries to ban racing until the track can meet higher safety standards. In order to show respect for drivers and apologize for innocent lives, after the accident, Mercedes-Benz announced its complete withdrawal from all motor sports. It was not until 30 years later that he began to participate in the World Sports Car Championship, and in 1989, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans again with C9. Later, he became the engine supplier of many famous teams and won many world series awards.
Looking back at the history of Mercedes-Benz racing, there are not only centuries of glory, but also unforgettable memories. ?